What is triple antibiotic ointment?

Triple antibiotic ointment is also known as the brand name Neosporin and the generic names of bacitracin zinc, neomycin sulfate, and polymyxin B sulfate. It combines these three antibiotics in a topical form to help kill to bacteria and to avoid infection in cuts and abrasions. It is available over the counter at most pharmacies. The following article provides you with an overview on the triple antibiotic ointment.

Active ingredients

The antibiotic ointment or triple antibiotic cream, according to Drugs.com, has three active ingredients. There is 400 units of bacitracin zinc, 3.5 milligrams neomycin sulfate and 5,000 units of polymyxin B sulfate. All three are listed as a first-aid antibiotic. Application Clean the wound or cut prior to using the ointment. Put a small amount on the wound to be equal to the surface area of your finger’s tip, one to three times in a day. You may leave it open or cover it with gauze or a bandage if you prefer. Always remove the bandage, and apply a fresh one whenever applying new ointment.

Purpose of antibacterial ointment

This antibacterial ointment is designed to help to keep burns, wounds, cuts and other skin abrasions from getting infected. They are broad spectrum topical antibacterial agents that can kill germs and bacteria and aid in wound healing.

Triple antibiotic warnings

This type of cream or ointment should not be used over a large area on the body, in the eyes, or if you are allergic to any of the antibiotics listed. It may not work effectively when there is an animal bite, a serious burn, or if it has a puncture wound that is deep. In those cases, a doctor should be the one to look at the area to check for complications that can arise.

Ask a doctor

If you are allergic to any of the ingredients, you should ask your doctor what to put on your cuts and wounds. There are other ointments that do not have a combination of ingredients that may be better suited. If you do use a triple antibiotic ointment and the wound gets worse, lasts longer than a week, develops a rash, or clears up and comes back in a couple of days, you should seek medical advice. If the wound develops a bad smell or odour, seek a doctor quickly.