Antibacterial combination (On the skin)

Introduction:

Helps prevent bacterial infection, and treats certain other skin problems.

Brand Name(s):

Cortisporin, Neosporin Neo To Go, Neosporin Plus Maximum Strength, Neosporin, Polysporin, Dek-Quin, Dermazene, First Aid & Burn Cream, Ala-Quin, Mycolog-II, Rite Aid Antibiotic Cream Plus, Good Samaritan Healing Ointment, Dermapain, Polytracin, Good Sense Triple Antibiotic

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to any of its ingredients. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information about ingredients in the antibacterial combination that you are using. This medicine should not be used to treat a skin problem caused by a virus, or to treat whole body infections.

How to Use This Medicine:

Cream, Ointment, Powder, Liquid

  • This medicine should not be used in the eye, inside the body, or over large areas of skin. If this medicine does get in your eyes, nose, or mouth, rinse it off right away.
  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine. Follow your doctor's instructions about how to clean and care for your skin or wound before and after you use this medicine.
  • If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label. Do not use this medicine on deep or serious wounds, on serious burns, or on animal bites unless your doctor tells you to.

If a dose is missed:

  • If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, apply it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to apply the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Antibacterial combination medicines have different ingredients, depending on the type and brand of medicine it is. The drugs or food you may need to avoid depend on the specific antibacterial combination you are using. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have a tuberculosis infection of the skin. Make sure your doctor knows if you have had an allergic reaction to any antibiotic or topical medicine, such as hydrocortisone, iodochlorhydroxyquin, bacitracin, neomycin, or polymyxin B.
  • Some antibacterial skin medicines may cause discoloring of the skin, hair, nails, or may stain clothing.
  • Make sure any doctor who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. Some antibacterial skin medicines may cause problems with certain medical tests.
  • If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
  • New or worsening redness, burning, itching, or swelling in the area where the medicine is applied.
  • New or worsening skin rash.
  • Signs of wound or skin infection: increasing pain, redness, swelling, or drainage of fluid or pus that is cloudy, brown, green, or foul-smelling.
  • Unexplained fever.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Skin dryness.
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