Polymyxin B/Bacitracin, Topical

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antibiotic

Generic and brand names: polymyxin B/bacitracin, topical; Polysporin Ointment; Polysporin Powder (There may be other brand names for this medicine.)

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is combination of antibiotic medicines that you put on the skin to treat or to prevent infections in cuts, wounds, minor burns, and skin abrasions, and to help healing.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Check with your healthcare provider before using this medicine if you are allergic to any kind of antibiotics.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

Wash the sore area with mild soap and warm water and pat dry with a soft towel.

Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Put a thin layer of medicine on your skin and rub it in gently. You may put a bandage on. Use the medicine long enough to get rid of the infection or until any open wounds heal.

This medicine is for external use only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Wash your hands before and after applying this or any other medicine to your skin.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.

What if I overdose?

An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I watch out for?

If the infection is not cleared up in a few days or if it becomes worse, contact your healthcare provider.

This medicine is for external use only (on the skin). Keep it away from your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Deeper cuts or puncture wounds that become infected may require antibiotics by mouth or by shots. Contact your healthcare provider for advice in treating more serious wounds or infections.

Using antibiotics on your skin for a long time may increase your risk of fungal infections. Check with your healthcare provider.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Skin irritation, redness, swelling, or pus while you are using this medicine.

Other: Mild stinging or burning when the medicine is applied.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported. However, the use of other products on your skin at the same time may not be helpful. Read the label on the package to find out if you should take any special precautions.

Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.