What is Polysporin: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Polysporin overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • 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, Double Antibiotic Ointment, Simply Neosporin, Polysporin

Generic Names:

  • Polysporin

Uses:

  • Helps prevent bacterial infection, and treats certain other skin problems., Prevents infections caused by minor cuts, scrapes, and burns.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Anesthetic, Local, Antiacne Antibacterial, Antibacterial Combination, Anti-Infective/Anti-Inflammatory Combination, Antiperspirant, Sunscreen, Antibacterial Combination

Forms:

  • Cream, Gel/Jelly, Ointment, Powder, Liquid, Ointment

How it’s taken:

  • On the skin, On the skin

What is Polysporin used for?

What form(s) does Polysporin come in

  • Cream

  • Gel/Jelly

  • Ointment

  • Powder

  • Liquid

  • Ointment

What are common Polysporin doses?

  • Tube 14.199999809265137GM of 500-10000UNIT/GM

  • Tube 28.299999237060547GM of 500-10000UNIT/GM

  • Packet 1 Ointment

Common Polysporin prescriptions

  • Polysporin
    500-10000unit/gm ointment

  • Polysporin
    14.2gm of 500-10000unit/gm tube of ointment

How to take Polysporin

  • You may cover the treated area with a bandage.

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

  • Do not use this medicine in your eyes or over large areas of your body. Do not use it for longer than 7 days unless directed by your doctor.

  • 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 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.

  • Clean your wound before you apply this medicine. Apply a small amount to the wound 1 to 3 times each day.

  • Missed dose:

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

  • 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.

  • Do not use this medicine in your eyes or over large areas of your body. Do not use it for longer than 7 days unless directed by your doctor.

  • 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.

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

  • Missed dose:

  • Clean your wound before you apply this medicine. Apply a small amount to the wound 1 to 3 times each day.

  • 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.

  • You may cover the treated area with a bandage.

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

What to do if you miss a dose of Polysporin

  • 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.

Polysporin contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to bacitracin or polymyxin B.

  • 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.

Polysporin warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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

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

  • This medicine is for use only on minor cuts or burns. Do not use it on an animal bite, deep or puncture wound, or a serious burn.

  • 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.

Polysporin interactions

  • 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.

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

Polysporin side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • 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.

  • Rash

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

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Skin dryness.

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