What is Cortisporin: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Cortisporin overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Acanya, Active Injection Kit BLM-1, Active Injection Kit BM, Active Injection Kit D, Active Injection Kit DL, Active Injection Kit DLM, Active Injection Kit Ket-L, Active Injection Kit Ketmarc-L, Active Injection Kit LM-2, Active Injection Kit LM-DEP, Active Injection Kit LM-Dep-1, Active Injection Kit LM-Dep-2, Active Injection Kit M-1, Acu-Dyne Skin Cleanser, Active Injection Kit KM, Ala-Quin, Alcortin A, All-Purpose First Aid Kit, Alocane Plus, Antibiotic, Pain & Scar, Antibiotic Cream + Pain Relief, Antibiotic Cream Plus, Antibiotic Ointment, Bacitraycin Plus, CareALL Triple Antibiotic Ointment, Cortisporin, DermacinRx Therazole Pak, Dermapain, Dermazene, Double Antibiotic Ointment, Cortisporin, Ciprodex, Cipro HC, Cortisporin, Cortisporin TC, Otovel, Otovel, Otovel, Cortisporin

Generic Names:

  • Cortisporin

Uses:

  • Treats skin infections., Helps prevent bacterial infection, and treats certain other skin problems., Treats infections of the ear canal, minor swelling of the ear, and other ear problems., Treats and prevents infections caused by minor cuts, scrapes, and burns., Treats infections of the ear and the ear canal and helps provide relief from redness, irritation, and discomfort of certain ear problems. This medicine contains an antibiotic and a corticosteroid.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Analgesic Combination, Anesthetic, Local, Antiacne, Antiacne Antibacterial, Antibacterial, Antibacterial Cleansing Agent, Antibacterial Combination, Antifungal, Anti-Infective/Anti-Inflammatory Combination, Antiperspirant, Antipsoriatic, Dermatological Agent, Perianal Hygiene Agent, Disinfectant, Retinoid Combination, Salicylate, Non-Aspirin Combination, Sunscreen, Wound Care Agent, Anesthetic, Local, Antiacne Antibacterial, Antibacterial Combination, Anti-Infective/Anti-Inflammatory Combination, Antiperspirant, Sunscreen, Anti-Infective/Anti-Inflammatory Combination, Antibacterial, Anti-Infective/Anti-Inflammatory Combination, Antibacterial Combination, Anti-Infective/Anti-Inflammatory Combination

Forms:

  • Cream, Ointment, Lotion, Gel/Jelly, Swab, Spray, Foam, Sponge, Liquid, Cream, Gel/Jelly, Ointment, Powder, Liquid, Liquid, Drop, Ointment, Drop, Liquid

How it’s taken:

  • Into the ear, On the skin, Into the ear, On the skin, On the skin

What is Cortisporin used for?

What form(s) does Cortisporin come in

  • Cream

  • Ointment

  • Lotion

  • Gel/Jelly

  • Swab

  • Spray

  • Foam

  • Sponge

  • Liquid

  • Cream

  • Gel/Jelly

  • Ointment

  • Powder

  • Liquid

  • Liquid

  • Drop

  • Ointment

  • Drop

  • Liquid

What are common Cortisporin doses?

  • Tube 7.5GM of 3.5-10000-0.5

  • Tube 15GM of 1%

Common Cortisporin prescriptions

  • Cortisporin
    7.5gm of 3.5-10000-0.5 tube

  • Cortisporin
    15gm of 1% tube of ointment

How to take Cortisporin

  • This medicine should not be used for more than 10 days.

  • Otic routeDo not rinse the dropper.

  • You may be able to use a special cotton wick that is soaked with the medicine in your ear. If you need to use a wick, your doctor will tell you how to use it, and how long to keep it inside your ear.

  • Otic routeDrop the prescribed number of drops into the ear. Keep the ear tilted up for a few minutes or put a cotton ball into your ear.

  • Otic routeLie down or tilt your head to the side. For a child, gently pull the child€™s earlobe down and back to straighten the child€™s ear canal. For an adult, gently pull the earlobe up and back to straighten the ear canal.

  • Otic routeRemove the cap. Do not let the tip of the dropper touch anything, including your ear.

  • Shake the suspension ear drops well just before each use.

  • Otic routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine. Your doctor may tell you to clean out and dry your outer ear canal with a special sterile cotton applicator before using the ear drops. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

  • Otic routeUse this medicine only in your ear. Do not swallow the medicine, and do not put it into your eyes.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Otic routeKeep the bottle closed when you are not using it. Store it at room temperature, away from light and heat. Do not freeze.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Shake the suspension ear drops well just before each use.

  • Otic routeDrop the prescribed number of drops into the ear. Keep the ear tilted up for a few minutes or put a cotton ball into your ear.

  • This medicine should not be used for more than 10 days.

  • Otic routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine. Your doctor may tell you to clean out and dry your outer ear canal with a special sterile cotton applicator before using the ear drops. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

  • Otic routeDo not rinse the dropper.

  • Otic routeLie down or tilt your head to the side. For a child, gently pull the child€™s earlobe down and back to straighten the child€™s ear canal. For an adult, gently pull the earlobe up and back to straighten the ear canal.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Otic routeUse this medicine only in your ear. Do not swallow the medicine, and do not put it into your eyes.

  • Otic routeRemove the cap. Do not let the tip of the dropper touch anything, including your ear.

  • You may be able to use a special cotton wick that is soaked with the medicine in your ear. If you need to use a wick, your doctor will tell you how to use it, and how long to keep it inside your ear.

  • Otic routeKeep the bottle closed when you are not using it. Store it at room temperature, away from light and heat. Do not freeze.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • Topical application routeUse this medicine only on your skin. Rinse it off right away if it gets on a cut or scrape. Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

  • Topical application routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.

  • Clean your wound before you apply this medicine. Apply a small amount to the wound 2 to 4 times each day.

  • Do not use this medicine in your eyes or over large areas of your body. Do not use it for longer than 7 days in a row.

  • Topical application routeDo not cover the treated area with a bandage unless directed by your doctor.

  • Missed dose: Topical application routeApply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • Topical application routeUse this medicine only on your skin. Rinse it off right away if it gets on a cut or scrape. Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

  • Topical application routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.

  • Clean your wound before you apply this medicine. Apply a small amount to the wound 2 to 4 times each day.

  • Do not use this medicine in your eyes or over large areas of your body. Do not use it for longer than 7 days in a row.

  • Topical application routeDo not cover the treated area with a bandage unless directed by your doctor.

  • Missed dose: Topical application routeApply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much to use and how often.

  • Wash your hands.

  • Warm the drops by holding the bottle in your hands for a few minutes.

  • Shake the suspension well before using.

  • Never touch the dropper to your ear or anything else.

  • Lie down or tilt your head to the side.

  • Drop the prescribed number of drops into the ear.

  • Keep the ear tilted up for a few minutes or insert a cotton plug into the ear.

  • Wash your hands again so as not to spread the infection.

  • Keep the ear tilted up for a few minutes or insert a cotton plug into the ear.

  • Never touch the dropper to your ear or anything else.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much to use and how often.

  • Wash your hands.

  • Warm the drops by holding the bottle in your hands for a few minutes.

  • Wash your hands again so as not to spread the infection.

  • Lie down or tilt your head to the side.

  • Drop the prescribed number of drops into the ear.

  • Shake the suspension well before using.

  • This medicine should not be used in the eye, inside the body, or over large areas of skin. If this medicine does get in your eyes, nose, or mouth, rinse it off right away.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Topical application routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine. Follow your doctor's instructions about how to clean and care for your skin or wound before and after you use this medicine.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription. Do not use this medicine on deep or serious wounds, on serious burns, or on animal bites unless your doctor tells you to.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription. Do not use this medicine on deep or serious wounds, on serious burns, or on animal bites unless your doctor tells you to.

  • This medicine should not be used in the eye, inside the body, or over large areas of skin. If this medicine does get in your eyes, nose, or mouth, rinse it off right away.

  • Topical application routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine. Follow your doctor's instructions about how to clean and care for your skin or wound before and after you use this medicine.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • This medicine should not be used in your eyes, inside your body, or over large areas of skin. If this medicine does get in your eyes, nose, or mouth, rinse it off right away.

  • Topical application routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine. Follow your doctor's instructions about how to clean and care for your wound while you are using this medicine.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • Some forms of this medicine may contain alcohol. Do not use these medicines near a fire or if you are smoking.

  • Different forms of this medicine are used in different ways. Be sure you understand all the directions before you use them. Ask a pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • Topical application routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine. Follow your doctor's instructions about how to clean and care for your wound while you are using this medicine.

  • Different forms of this medicine are used in different ways. Be sure you understand all the directions before you use them. Ask a pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Some forms of this medicine may contain alcohol. Do not use these medicines near a fire or if you are smoking.

  • This medicine should not be used in your eyes, inside your body, or over large areas of skin. If this medicine does get in your eyes, nose, or mouth, rinse it off right away.

What to do if you miss a dose of Cortisporin

  • Topical application routeApply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Topical application routeAsk your pharmacist or doctor how to dispose of the medicine container and any leftover or expired medicine.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Topical application routeApply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Topical application routeAsk your pharmacist or doctor how to dispose of the medicine container and any leftover or expired medicine.

  • Use as soon as possible except when it is close to the time for your next dose.

  • If almost time for next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular dosing schedule.

  • You should not use two doses at the same time.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.

Cortisporin contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to neomycin, polymyxin B, or hydrocortisone, or if you have an infection that is caused by a virus (including herpes simplex or chickenpox).

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to neomycin, polymyxin B, bacitracin, and hydrocortisone, or if you have tuberculous, viral, or fungal lesions of the skin.

  • Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any antibiotic medicines or to steroids such as cortisone, hydrocortisone, or prednisone.

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to any of its ingredients. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information about ingredients in the antibacterial combination that you are using. This medicine should not be used to treat a skin problem caused by a virus, or to treat whole body infections.

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to any of its ingredients.

Cortisporin warnings

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a punctured eardrum or any other ear problems.

  • The solution form of this medicine contains potassium metabisulfite. Tell your doctor if you have a sulfite allergy before you start using this medicine.

  • If your symptoms do not improve after 7 days or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

  • This medicine is for use only on minor cuts or burns. Do not use it on an animal bite or other puncture wound, a serious burn (with blistering), or a deep cut or skin injury unless directed by your doctor.

  • Call your doctor if you see signs of infection near your wound, including swelling, warmth, redness, or pus.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have a history of ear problems or a perforated ear drum.

  • If you have herpes simplex or chicken pox, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.

  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.

  • If your symptoms do not get better in one week or become worse, call your doctor.

  • Some antibacterial skin medicines may cause discoloring of the skin, hair, nails, or may stain clothing.

  • Make sure any doctor who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. Some antibacterial skin medicines may cause problems with certain medical tests.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have a tuberculosis infection of the skin. Make sure your doctor knows if you have had an allergic reaction to any antibiotic or topical medicine, such as hydrocortisone, iodochlorhydroxyquin, bacitracin, neomycin, or polymyxin B.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Unexplained fever.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or any problems with your blood.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • In some cases, the long-term use of topical antibacterial medicines can cause a fungal infection. Tell your doctor if you notice new or increased pain, redness, or swelling on the treated skin.

  • Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or pain in your upper stomach.

  • Redness, burning, itching, or swelling in the area where the medicine is applied.

  • Unexplained fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.

  • Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

Cortisporin interactions

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are using cimetidine (Tagamet®), or a sulfa drug such as trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, Bactrim®, Cotrim®, or Septra®. Do not use any other medicines on the treated skin unless your doctor tells you to.

  • Topical application routeDo not put cosmetics or skin care products on the treated skin.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse. Call your doctor if you are using Bactroban® and your skin does not get better in 3 to 5 days.

  • In some cases, the long-term use of topical antibacterial medicines can cause a fungal infection. Tell your doctor if you notice new or increased pain, redness, or swelling on the treated skin.

  • Antibacterial combination medicines have different ingredients, depending on the type and brand of medicine it is. The drugs or food you may need to avoid depend on the specific antibacterial combination you are using. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.

  • Some antibacterial skin medicines may cause discoloring of the skin, hair, nails, or may stain clothing.

  • Make sure any doctor who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. Some antibacterial skin medicines may cause problems with certain medical tests.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have a history of ear problems or a perforated ear drum.

  • If you have herpes simplex or chicken pox, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.

  • If your symptoms do not get better in one week or become worse, call your doctor.

  • Topical application routeDo not put cosmetics or skin care products on the treated skin.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a punctured eardrum or any other ear problems.

  • The solution form of this medicine contains potassium metabisulfite. Tell your doctor if you have a sulfite allergy before you start using this medicine.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • If your symptoms do not improve after 7 days or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

Cortisporin side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.

  • Unexplained fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash.

  • Change in how much or how often you urinate.

  • Dark-colored urine, blood in the urine, or pale stools.

  • Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or pain in your upper stomach.

  • Redness, burning, itching, or swelling in the area where the medicine is applied.

  • Signs of wound or skin infection: increasing pain, redness, swelling, or drainage of fluid or pus that is cloudy, brown, green, or foul-smelling.

  • New or worsening skin rash.

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • New or worsening redness, burning, itching, or swelling in the area where the medicine is applied.

  • Unexplained fever.

  • Skin rash, redness, swelling or intense itching that develops after you start using this medicine.

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Burning, itching, dryness, or redness of the skin

  • Severe dizziness or loss of balance

  • Change in how much or how often you urinate

  • Change in hearing, ringing in the ears, or feeling of fullness in the ears

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Skin rash, redness, swelling, or intense itching in or around the ear

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Mild stinging, burning, or discomfort in the ear

  • Hearing loss

  • Mild itching or skin rash

  • Stinging or burning of the ear

  • Skin dryness.

  • Nausea.

  • Headache.

  • Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.

  • Change in the color of your skin where the medicine is applied.

  • Skin dryness.