Neosporin general information

What is Neosporin used for?

Neosporin Ophthalmic Ointment is used to treat bacterial infections of the external surface of the eye and its adnexa, which includes the eyelids and lachrymal apparatus (tear ducts and glands).  These infections include: conjunctivitis, which is inflammation of the conjunctiva (outermost layer of the eye and the inside of the eyelid); blepharitis or inflammation of the eyelid; keratitis which is inflammation of the cornea (the clear area at the front of the eye over the lens and pupil); blepharoconjunctivitis which is inflammation of the conjunctiva and the eyelid; keratoconjunctivitis which is inflammation of the conjunctiva and cornea.  Neosporin Ophthalmic Ointment helps relieve symptoms of eye infection including sore eyes, redness, inflammation, discharge and crusting around the eyelid.  

How does Neosporin work?

Neosporin Ophthalmic Ointment contains a combination of three antibiotics that are used to treat bacterial infections of the external surface of the eye.  Neomycin in Neosporin Ophthalmic Ointment is a broad-spectrum aminoglycoside antibiotic that is used in topical medications and is effective against wide range of bacteria found in infected skin, including Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas and Proteus species, and works by blocking bacterial protein synthesis and inhibiting the production of proteins needed for bacterial cell growth.  The antibiotic Polymyxin in Neosporin Ophthalmic Ointment is only effective Gram negative bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, and is often used in combination with other antibiotics for topical bacterial infection.  It works by disrupting the bacterial cell membrane, which makes it more permeable and the bacteria more susceptible to the effects of other antibiotics.  Bacitracin in Neosporin Ophthalmic Ointment is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is also used in combination with other antibiotics for topical bacterial infection.  It works by disrupting the bacterial cell wall and interfering with bacterial cell wall synthesis.  Polymyxin B and neomycin together are active against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella-Enterobacter species, Neisseria species and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.  Bacitracin is active against most Gram-positive bacteria, pathogenic Neisseria species and Haemophilus influenzae. 

What does Neosporin contain?

Neosporin Ophthalmic Ointment contains three active ingredients, the antibiotics, Neomycin sulphate (3.5mcg/g) Polymyxin B sulphate (10,000 units/g) and Bacitracin zinc (400 units/g) that are used in combination to treat bacterial infections of the external surface of the eye.  It also contains white petroleum.

Treating eye infections with Neosporin

Neosporin Ophthalmic Ointment contains a combination of three topical antibiotics, Neomycin, Polymyxin B, and Bacitracin that are used to treat bacterial infections of the external surface of the eye, which includes the eyelids and lachrymal apparatus (tear ducts and glands).  These infections include conjunctivitis or inflammation of the conjunctiva blepharitis or inflammation of the eyelid, keratitis or inflammation of the cornea, blepharoconjunctivitis or inflammation of the conjunctiva and the eyelid, and keratoconjunctivitis or inflammation of the conjunctiva and cornea.  The antibiotic combination in Neosporin Ophthalmic Ointment provides protection against a broad spectrum of bacteria found in eye infections, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella-Enterobacter species, Neisseria species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, pathogenic Neisseria species and Haemophilus influenzae.  Neomycin in Neosporin Ophthalmic Ointment works by blocking bacterial protein synthesis and inhibiting the production of proteins needed for bacterial cell growth.  Polymyxin in Neosporin Ophthalmic Ointment works by disrupting the bacterial cell membrane, which makes it more permeable and the bacteria more susceptible to the effects of other antibiotics.  Bacitracin in Neosporin Ophthalmic Ointment works by disrupting the bacterial cell wall and interfering with bacterial cell wall synthesis.  Neosporin Ophthalmic Ointment helps relieve symptoms of eye infection including sore eyes, redness, inflammation, discharge and crusting around the eyelid.

What are the side effects of Neosporin?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Neosporin Ophthalmic Ointment include eye irritation such as stinging and itching, watery eyes, swelling and redness. 

When should Neosporin not be used?

You should not use Neosporin Ophthalmic Ointment if you:

• are allergic to Neomycin, Polymyxin B, and Bacitracin or any ingredients in Neosporin
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding
• have a viral or fungal eye infection
• are taking a systemic aminoglycoside antibiotic

How should Neosporin be used?

You should apply your Neosporin Ophthalmic Ointment 3-4 times daily by pulling down your lower eyelid to form a pouch and squeezing a small amount of ointment into the pouch.  Wash your hands before and after use and do not let the tip of the tube touch your eye.  You should continue to use your Neosporin Ophthalmic Ointment for as long as recommended by your doctor, which is usually for 7-10 days, depending on the severity of the infection.

How long should you take Neosporin?

You should continue to use your Neosporin Ophthalmic Ointment for as long as recommended by your doctor, which is usually for 7-10 days, depending on the severity of the infection.

Missed dose of Neosporin

If you miss a dose of Neosporin Ophthalmic Ointment apply it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to apply the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not apply a double dose.

How should Neosporin be stored?

You should store your Neosporin Ophthalmic Ointment below 25°C in a cool dry place.