We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Medicine

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Uses of Neomycin and Bacitracin?

By Jacquelyn Gilchrist
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 4,371
Share

Neomycin and bacitracin are both antibiotic medications that are usually applied to the skin to treat bacterial infections. While the most common use of these drugs is topical application, neomycin may also be available in a pill, which is taken to reduce the possibility of an infection during a surgery. Bacitracin ointment may also be prescribed by an optometrist for application to the eye to treat infections in that area. Before using neomycin and bacitracin, patients should discuss the proper application with a doctor or pharmacist.

When it is applied topically, neomycin is typically used three to four times daily. Patients should cleanse the affected area of skin and apply a small amount of the ointment. The smallest amount possible should be used, because if too much of the medicine is absorbed into the body, it may affect the hearing and cause kidney problems. Patients taking neomycin orally in a pill or liquid form should ingest each dose with a full glass of water.

Bacitracin should be applied in the same manner as topical neomycin, but it is typically used one to three times daily. Patients may also cover the affected skin with a sterile bandage following each dose. When the ointment is used for the eye, the patient should pull the lower eyelid down gently with a finger and squeeze the prescribed amount into this area. The eyes should be closed for two minutes to allow the drug to distribute evenly, and patients should wash their hands well before and after each application.

Neomycin and bacitracin may cause some side effects, which should be reported to the prescribing physician if they become severe. Oral neomycin may sometimes cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Patients using bacitracin for an eye infection may experience temporary blurred vision.

More serious side effects should be reported to the doctor immediately, such as decreased urination, a rash, and irritation or burning of the skin following a dose of neomycin. Those taking this drug orally may experience dizziness, severe diarrhea, and hearing problems. Bacitracin applied to the skin may rarely result in a secondary skin infection, and the ointment applied to the eye may rarely cause worsening eye pain, swelling of the eyelids, and unusual changes in eyesight.

Before using neomycin and bacitracin to treat a bacterial infection, patients should disclose their other medical conditions, medications, and supplements. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should discuss the risks with their doctors. Neomycin may be contraindicated for use by those with a bowel disease, kidney disease, or a neuromuscular disorder. Patients should discuss whether they use any medications that may affect the kidneys.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By anon249992 — On Feb 23, 2012

Can you use bacitracin in pills for cystitis?

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-uses-of-neomycin-and-bacitracin.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.