Neomycin, Polymyxin, Bacitracin, and Hydrocortisone Topical
Neomycin, polymyxin, bacitracin, and hydrocortisone combination is used to treat skin infections caused by certain bacteria and to treat the redness, swelling, itching, and discomfort of various skin conditions. Neomycin, polymyxin, and bacitracin are in a class of medications called antibiotics. They work by stopping the growth of bacteria. Hydrocortisone is in a class of medications called corticosteroids. It works by activating natural substances in the skin to reduce swelling, redness, and itching.
🔔 How should this medicine be used?
This combination comes as a cream (containing neomycin, polymyxin, and hydrocortisone) and as an ointment (containing neomycin, polymyxin, bacitracin, and hydrocortisone) to apply to the skin. It is usually used two to four times a day. Use neomycin, polymyxin, bacitracin, and hydrocortisone combination at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use neomycin, polymyxin, bacitracin, and hydrocortisone combination exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Neomycin, polymyxin, bacitracin, and hydrocortisone combination is only for use on the skin. Do not use the medication in your eyes. Do not use the medication in your ears if you have a hole or tear in your eardrum.
To use neomycin, polymyxin, bacitracin, and hydrocortisone combination, apply a small amount of medication to cover the affected area of skin with a thin, even film and rub in gently.
Do not wrap or bandage the treated area unless your doctor tells you that you should.
Your symptoms should begin to improve during the first few days of treatment with neomycin, polymyxin, bacitracin, and hydrocortisone combination. If redness, irritation, swelling, or pain do not improve or get worse, stop using the medication and call your doctor. Do not use this medication longer than 7 days, unless directed to do so by your doctor.
The last 20 years have seen the cost of medical care increase about 70% faster than the rate of general inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), the Research Division of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis Healthcare inflation dropped to a historical low after 2010 but is again on the rise as of 2018, according to Bloomberg.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
🔔 What special precautions should I follow?
Before using neomycin, polymyxin, bacitracin, and hydrocortisone combination:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to neomycin (Neo-Fradin, Mycifradin, others); polymyxin; bacitracin (Baciim); hydrocortisone (Anusol HC, Cortef, others); aminoglycoside antibiotics such as amikacin, gentamicin (Gentak, Genoptic), kanamycin, paromomycin, streptomycin, and tobramycin (Tobrex, Tobi); any other medications; or any of the ingredients in neomycin, polymyxin, bacitracin, and hydrocortisone cream or ointment. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have any type of viral skin infection such as cold sores (fever blisters; blisters that are caused by a virus called herpes simplex), chickenpox, or herpes zoster (shingles; a rash that can occur in people who have had chickenpox in the past); tuberculosis (TB; a serious infection that infects the lungs and other parts of the body) infection of the skin; or a fungal skin infection. Your doctor will probably tell you not to use neomycin, polymyxin, bacitracin, and hydrocortisone combination.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any medical conditions.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using neomycin, polymyxin, bacitracin, and hydrocortisone combination, call your doctor.
🔔 What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.