Guide To Over-The-Counter Antibiotics

Neomycin

Neomycin is used in over-the-counter skin ointments. Many of these ointments also contain polymyxin B or bacitracin. As with other antibiotic ointments, this one is used to prevent infection and speed up the healing of minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. Some patients may wish to apply this type of ointment to sores as well. Patients must wash their hands before and after applying neomycin ointment. They should apply a thin layer of the ointment to the affected area. Patients can safely rub it into the treatment site. Individuals with kidney disease should check with their physician or pharmacist to ensure that neomycin is safe for them. If a large amount of this antibiotic is absorbed into the body, patients may develop kidney issues or hearing loss. Thus, patients should not apply this ointment to broken skin. In addition, they should not use it in amounts larger than what is recommended on the package instructions.

Patients who become pregnant during treatment with neomycin should inform their doctor immediately. In general, this antibiotic should not be used on a child's diaper area. If a doctor recommends this type of use, the child's diapers should not be tight, and plastic pants should not be used. This is because plastic pants and tight diapers could increase the amount of neomycin that the body absorbs, which may increase the risk of side effects. Occasionally, neomycin could cause redness, itching, burning, or irritation at the application site. Some patients may develop a rash. Patients who notice any of these effects should let their doctor know right away.