Neosporin (Neomycin Sulfate)

Do's

• Neosporin is indicated for use on the skin only.
• Clean and dry the affected skin area before applying the medication. If using the ointment, wash your hands first.
• Apply a small amount of medication in a thin layer on the skin and rub in gently, usually 1 to 3 times a day. If using the spray, shake the container well before using, then spray a small amount on the affected area as directed, usually 1 to 3 times a day. Small treatment areas may be covered with a sterile bandage.
• Do not use large amounts of this medication or apply it more often or for a longer period than directed. Avoid getting the medication in your eyes or inside the nose or mouth. If this occurs, wipe off the medication and rinse thoroughly with water.
• Use the medication regularly at the same time(s) each day to get the most benefit from it.
• If your condition does not improve after a few days or worsens, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek medical help right away.
• Neosporin should not be used on a child younger than 2 years old without medical advice. It should not be used on irritated skin in a child's diaper area unless directed by a healthcare provider. After applying the medication to the diaper area, do not use tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants.

Neosporin usually has no side effects. However, if any unusual effects occur, contact your healthcare provider promptly. While many people using this medication do not have serious side effects, there are some rare possibilities to be aware of:

Unusual Skin Symptoms: 

• Rarely, the use of Neosporin may result in other types of skin infections, such as fungal or other bacterial infections. Contact your healthcare provider if any unusual skin symptoms are noticed or if the condition does not improve.

Allergic Reaction: 

• A very serious allergic reaction to Neosporin is rare. However, seek medical help right away if symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, such as rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing, are noticed.

Hearing Loss: 

• A rare but serious side effect of neomycin, one of the active ingredients in Neosporin, is hearing loss. Although it is unlikely that enough of the medicine would be absorbed through the skin to cause this effect, your healthcare provider should be contacted if any changes in hearing are noticed.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects, and any other effects not listed should be reported to your healthcare provider.

An overdose of Neosporin topical is not expected to be dangerous. However, if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication, seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line.

Avoid applying other creams, lotions, or medicated skin products to the same areas treated with Neosporin.

While it is not likely that other drugs taken orally or injected will have an effect on topically applied Neosporin, informing all healthcare providers about all medicines being used, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products is recommended.

The use of Neosporin during pregnancy or while nursing should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Neosporin should only be used on small cuts, scrapes, or burns. It should not be used over large areas of the body or for more serious injuries. If the affected areas worsen after using Neosporin for longer than 1 week, stop using it and contact a healthcare provider.