{"id":10262,"date":"2020-04-03T09:53:44","date_gmt":"2020-04-03T13:53:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=10262"},"modified":"2026-01-28T13:43:49","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T18:43:49","slug":"bacitracin-vs-neosporin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/bacitracin-vs-neosporin\/","title":{"rendered":"Bacitracin vs. Neosporin: Which is better?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Main differences between bacitracin and Neosporin<\/a> | Conditions treated by bacitracin and Neosporin<\/a>\u00a0 | Which is more effective?<\/a> | Coverage and cost comparison<\/a> | Common side effects<\/a> | Drug interactions<\/a> | Warnings<\/a> | OTC alternatives<\/a> | Prescription alternatives<\/a> | FAQs<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

A minor cut or scrape can be more than an annoyance\u2014it could turn into an infection. You may want to have a topical antibiotic ointment on hand as part of your <\/span>first aid kit<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Bacitracin and Neosporin are over-the-counter (OTC) <\/span>topical antibiotic<\/span><\/a> ointments used to prevent infection of minor skin injuries such as cuts, scrapes, and burns. Both medications are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Bacitracin ointment is available in generic form and contains only bacitracin. Neosporin is available in both brand and generic form\u2014you may see it labeled as Triple Antibiotic Ointment. Neosporin contains bacitracin, along with polymyxin B sulfate and neomycin, thus the name triple antibiotic ointment, because it contains three antibiotics.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Although both medications are antibiotic ointments that are available over the counter and used for wound care, they have some differences, which we will discuss below.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the main differences between bacitracin and Neosporin?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Bacitracin<\/span><\/a> is an antibiotic ointment available in generic form, and it can be found over-the-counter.<\/span><\/p>\n

Neosporin is available in a variety of formulations. The most common form of Neosporin contains three antibiotics and is sometimes called triple antibiotic ointment. It contains bacitracin, polymyxin, and neomycin, and is available in various brand and generic ointments or creams. For example, Neosporin is also available as Neosporin + Pain Relief Ointment, and Neosporin + Pain Itch Scar Ointment, both of which contain the three antibiotics plus pramoxine, which is a topical anesthetic medication. There is also a Neosporin + Pain Relief Cream and a Neosporin Kids Plus Pain Cream, both of which contain bacitracin and polymyxin along with pramoxine (a numbing medicine). Neosporin Lip Health contains white petrolatum, or petroleum jelly, the ingredient found in Vaseline.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nBacitracin<\/b><\/td>\nNeosporin<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/span><\/td>\nOTC topical antibiotic<\/span><\/td>\nOTC topical antibiotic<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/span><\/td>\nGeneric<\/span><\/td>\nBrand and generic<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the generic name?<\/span><\/p>\n

What is the brand name?<\/span><\/td>\n

Bacitracin (or bacitracin zinc)<\/span><\/td>\nTriple antibiotic ointment<\/span><\/p>\n

or<\/span><\/p>\n

Bacitracin, polymyxin B sulfate, and neomycin sulfate<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/span><\/td>\nOintment<\/span><\/td>\nOintment, creams<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the standard dosage?<\/span><\/td>\nApply a small amount to the affected area one to three times daily after cleaning. You may cover with a sterile bandage.<\/span><\/td>\nApply a small amount to the affected area one to three times daily after cleaning. You may cover with a sterile bandage.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How long is the typical treatment?<\/span><\/td>\nShort-term<\/span><\/td>\nShort-term<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/span><\/td>\nChildren and adults<\/span><\/td>\nChildren and adults<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Conditions treated by bacitracin and Neosporin<\/span><\/h2>\n

Both bacitracin and Neosporin have the same indication\u2014for use as first aid to prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Condition<\/b><\/td>\nBacitracin<\/b><\/td>\nNeosporin<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
First aid to prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes, and\/or burns<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Is bacitracin or Neosporin more effective?<\/span><\/h2>\n

A 2018 <\/span>meta-analysis<\/span><\/a> of topical antibiotics for the prevention of wound infections concluded that topical antibiotics were effective in lowering the risk of infections in uncomplicated wounds when compared to placebo or antiseptics (such as hydrogen peroxide). However, the risk reduction was minimal compared to placebo and antiseptics. The authors of the study suggested that because of antibiotic resistance, topical antibiotics do have an important place, and antiseptics can be considered an alternative to topical antibiotics such as bacitracin or Neosporin. Studies have not directly compared bacitracin to Neosporin.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A <\/span>2016 study<\/span><\/a> on postsurgical scar management concluded that white petrolatum (Vaseline) is a safe and effective wound care ointment with less risk for an allergic reaction.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The best topical ointment is the one that works for you with the fewest reactions. It is also a good idea to keep a tube or two on hand as part of your first aid kit.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Check with your healthcare provider if you have any questions on which antibiotic ointment is better for you, especially if you have a history of allergies to topical antibiotics or if your wound is deep or oozing, meaning that it could already be infected.<\/span><\/p>\n

Coverage and cost comparison of bacitracin vs. Neosporin<\/span><\/h2>\n

Bacitracin and Neosporin are usually not covered by insurance or Medicare Part D, because they are OTC products. Occasionally, they may be covered (in generic form) by some plans.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You can purchase a 1-ounce tube of bacitracin for about $8 to 12. You can save money on <\/span>bacitracin<\/span><\/a> with a SingleCare card, but you will need your doctor to issue a prescription. Even though bacitracin is OTC, your pharmacist will have to process a prescription in order for a discount to apply.<\/span><\/p>\n

You can purchase a 1-ounce tube of brand-name Neosporin for about $10. You can purchase generic <\/span>Neosporin<\/span><\/a> with a SingleCare coupon for less than $5 if prescribed by your doctor.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nBacitracin<\/b><\/td>\nNeosporin<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by insurance?<\/span><\/td>\nNo\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?<\/span><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Standard dosage<\/span><\/td>\n1 tube<\/span><\/td>\n1 tube<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typical Medicare Part D copay<\/span><\/td>\nN\/a<\/span><\/td>\nN\/a<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare cost<\/span><\/td>\n$4.67+<\/span><\/td>\n$5+<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Common side effects of bacitracin vs. Neosporin<\/span><\/h2>\n

Both medications tend to be very well tolerated. You may have mild skin irritation or contact dermatitis from either medication.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With either medication, seek emergency medical attention if you develop any signs of an allergic reaction, which include hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.<\/span><\/p>\n

A rare, but very serious side effect<\/span> of the antibiotic neomycin, which is an ingredient in Neosporin, is hearing loss. However, it is very unlikely to occur with the topical medication. Notify your healthcare provider immediately if you notice any changes in hearing.<\/span><\/p>\n

If the affected area that you are treating becomes very red, swollen, or is oozing, contact your healthcare provider.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Drug interactions of bacitracin vs. Neosporin<\/span><\/h2>\n

Bacitracin and Neosporin, used topically, do not have any significant drug interactions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Warnings of bacitracin and Neosporin<\/span><\/h2>\n