FDA-filed SPL labeling · retrieved through openFDA

Neomycin, Polymyxin, and Bacitracin Ophthalmic

Neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin is a triple-antibiotic combination used across ophthalmic and topical products to help prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns.

Brand names Triple AntibioticNeosporin OriginalAntibioticThompson Triple AntibioticFirst Aid Antibiotic +11 more
Drug classes Aminoglycoside Antibacterial
Rx/OTC Forms 3 Routes Topical · Ophthalmic
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Reviewed by Last reviewed Jul 10, 2026
🧬 Where this information comes from Click to expand

The clinical label records used on this page are FDA-filed Structured Product Labeling (SPL) retrieved through openFDA. We identified 171 clinical label sets within the page’s selected clinical scope after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching. Forms, routes, brands, labelers, strengths, and NDC product-record counts are built separately from matching FDA National Drug Code Directory records. The linked DailyMed document is a representative official source for verification, not the page’s only clinical source. View the linked label on DailyMed →

At a glance
Linked label effectiveFeb 2, 2022
Clinical labels in scope 171
AvailabilityRx/OTC
Earliest approval/marketing year 1995
FDA-listed product records 383
Boxed warningNone found in compared labels
How we combine label and product data →
No current FDA shortage listed · checked Sep 16, 2026
Other forms & routes:
Neomycin, Polymyxin, and Bacitracin Ophthalmic at a glance The quick version — the full detail is in the Patient Information Guide below.
💊
HelloPharmacist Editorial Team Bottom Line
This triple-antibiotic combination is a trusted first-aid staple for helping prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. Use only as directed — on a small area, no more than 1 week, and stop if your skin reacts or the wound doesn't improve. If you're using the eye-specific ointment, make sure you have the right product for that purpose.

📖 Neomycin, Polymyxin, and Bacitracin Ophthalmic: Patient Information Guide

A plain-language walkthrough of Neomycin, Polymyxin, and Bacitracin Ophthalmic — what it treats, how it works, how it’s taken, side effects, warnings and interactions. Tap any section to expand it.

🎯What it's used for

This triple-antibiotic combination is available in eye and skin formulations for several different uses depending on the specific product.

  • Neomycin and Polymyxin B Sulfates and Bacitracin Zinc Ophthalmic Ointment is an eye-specific product used as an antibacterial treatment applied to the eye area.
  • Topical skin products (Antibiotic, Circle K Triple Antibiotic, Crane Safety Triple Antibiotic, First Aid Antibiotic, Good Sense First Aid Antibiotic, Green Guard Triple Antibiotic) provide first aid to help prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns.
  • Several topical products also offer temporary relief of pain and itching associated with minor burns, cuts, scrapes, and insect bites.
  • First Aid Antibiotic topical solution is used to prepare the skin before an injection and for antiseptic cleansing of the face, hands, and body.
⚙️How it works

Each of the three antibiotics targets bacteria in a different way, which is what makes this combination so effective across a broad range of germs. Neomycin binds to the bacteria's ribosomal RNA — the machinery they use to make proteins — causing errors that are fatal to the bacteria. Polymyxin B disrupts the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria (a certain class of germs), making it leaky so the bacteria can't survive. Bacitracin blocks bacteria from rebuilding their cell walls, which they need to stay intact and reproduce.

Together, these three mechanisms are active against many gram-positive and gram-negative organisms, including Staphylococcus aureus, streptococci, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella/Enterobacter species, Neisseria species, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The combination does not provide adequate coverage against Serratia marcescens.

💊How it's taken

For topical skin products, clean the affected area first and apply a small amount — roughly the surface area of a fingertip — up to 3 times daily. You can cover the area with a sterile bandage. Do not use for longer than 1 week unless your doctor directs otherwise, and do not apply over large areas of the body.

  • Children under 2 years old should only use topical products under a doctor's supervision.
  • First Aid Antibiotic topical solution for injection site prep: wipe the site vigorously and discard the applicator.
  • First Aid Antibiotic topical solution cleansing towelette: use once and discard after single use.
  • For the ophthalmic ointment, follow your prescriber's exact directions — do not substitute a skin product for the eye formulation.
🤒Side effects — in detail

Side effects can occur with any of the antibiotic components in this combination.

  • Itching at the application site
  • Swelling
  • Redness (conjunctival erythema with the ophthalmic ointment)
  • Local irritation on application
  • Allergic sensitization reactions

More serious reactions — including anaphylaxis (a severe, whole-body allergic reaction) — have been reported rarely with the ophthalmic ointment. Stop using the product and seek medical attention right away if you develop significant swelling, a spreading rash, or trouble breathing.

⚠️Warnings & precautions
  • For external use only — never swallow any form of this product. If swallowed, contact a Poison Control Center immediately.
  • Topical skin products must not be used in the eyes — only the designated ophthalmic ointment is approved for eye use.
  • Do not apply topical products over large areas of the body, on blistered or raw surfaces, or for more than 1 week without a doctor's approval.
  • Some topical solution products are flammable — keep away from fire and flame, and do not use near electrocautery equipment.
  • Stop use and contact a doctor if a rash or allergic reaction develops, if the condition gets worse, or if symptoms don't improve after 7 days.
  • Do not use the ophthalmic ointment if you have a known allergy to any of its ingredients.
  • Keep all products out of reach of children.
🔀What it interacts with

The FDA label for these products does not describe specific drug or food interactions.

    This is not a complete list of interactions. Always talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.

    📋Before taking it
    • Do not use if you are allergic to neomycin, polymyxin B, bacitracin, or any other ingredient in the product.
    • Ask a doctor before using topical products if you have deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns — these need professional evaluation.
    • Children under 2 years old: consult a doctor before using topical skin products.
    • Do not use topical skin products in the eyes or over large areas of the body.
    • Do not use topical solution on broken skin or deep puncture wounds.
    • Keep all products out of reach of children.
    🚑If you take too much

    If any form of this product is accidentally swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.

    📦How to store it

    Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) .

    📄 Written from Neomycin, Polymyxin, and Bacitracin Ophthalmic’s FDA-approved label information, summarized in plain language with AI, and reviewed by our pharmacy team before publication. Every point is grounded in that labeling — nothing is invented. How we use AI →

    🩺 Pharmacist Counseling Corner

    Quick, plain-English answers to the questions patients ask most about Neomycin, Polymyxin, and Bacitracin Ophthalmic — the kind of thing our pharmacy team would talk through with you at the counter.

    What's the difference between the eye ointment and the regular skin ointment — can I use one for both?
    No, and this is really important. The ophthalmic ointment (Neomycin and Polymyxin B Sulfates and Bacitracin Zinc Ophthalmic Ointment) is specially formulated for use in or around the eyes. The topical skin ointments — like Antibiotic, Triple Antibiotic, or First Aid Antibiotic — are specifically labeled 'do not use in the eyes.' Always use the product that matches your situation, and if you're unsure, ask your pharmacist before applying anything near your eye.
    How do I apply the skin ointment correctly?
    Start by cleaning the area gently. Then apply a small amount — think the size of your fingertip — directly to the cut, scrape, or burn up to 3 times a day. You can cover it with a sterile bandage if you'd like. That's really all there is to it — a little goes a long way with this one.
    How long should I use this before I expect to see results? And when should I stop?
    Most minor wounds that are healing well should look better within a few days. Don't use these products for more than 1 week unless your doctor tells you it's okay. If the area looks worse, you develop a rash, or things just aren't improving after 7 days, stop using it and see a doctor — that wound may need a different kind of treatment.
    Can this cause an allergic reaction? What should I watch for?
    Yes, allergic reactions can happen — neomycin in particular is a known cause of skin sensitization in some people. Watch for new or worsening itching, redness, swelling, or a rash at the site. With the ophthalmic ointment, very rare but serious reactions including anaphylaxis (a severe whole-body allergic response) have been reported. If you notice unusual swelling, hives spreading beyond the application site, or any trouble breathing, stop using it and get medical help right away.
    Is this safe to use on my child?
    For children 2 years and older, topical skin products can generally be used following the same directions as adults. For children under 2, you should check with a doctor first before using any of these topical products. And of course, keep all of these products stored safely out of reach of kids.
    What if I accidentally get it in my eyes or someone swallows it?
    If a topical skin product gets in the eyes, rinse thoroughly with water right away. If any form of this product is swallowed — even a small amount — contact a Poison Control Center immediately or get emergency medical help. Don't wait to see if symptoms develop.
    Is Neomycin, Polymyxin, and Bacitracin Ophthalmic available over the counter?
    Both — Neomycin, Polymyxin, and Bacitracin Ophthalmic is sold both over the counter and by prescription, according to its FDA labeling. Lower strengths or certain forms are often available without a prescription, while higher strengths or specialized forms still require one. Ask your pharmacist which version is right for you.
    When was Neomycin, Polymyxin, and Bacitracin Ophthalmic first available?
    Neomycin, Polymyxin, and Bacitracin Ophthalmic has been available in the United States since at least 1995, based on FDA approval history (Drugs@FDA) and product marketing records.
    Who makes Neomycin, Polymyxin, and Bacitracin Ophthalmic?
    Neomycin, Polymyxin, and Bacitracin Ophthalmic is supplied by 137 manufacturers listed in the FDA NDC Directory, including Unifirst First Aid Corporation, Trifecta Pharmaceuticals Usa Llc, Nantong Health & Beyond Hygienic Products Inc..

    💬 Answers drafted from Neomycin, Polymyxin, and Bacitracin Ophthalmic’s FDA-approved label information, summarized in plain language with AI, and reviewed by our pharmacy team before publication. Grounded in that labeling — nothing is made up. How we use AI →

    🧰 Keep exploring

    💊 How Neomycin, Polymyxin, and Bacitracin Ophthalmic comes

    Neomycin, Polymyxin, and Bacitracin Ophthalmic is available in 3 forms. Different forms and brands can have different approved uses, doses, schedules, and directions. Follow the instructions for your exact product, and do not switch forms without guidance from your prescriber or pharmacist.

    Topical cream, ointment or gel

    On the skin
    Brands Antibiotic Circle K Triple Antibiotic Crane Safety Triple Antibiotic First Aid Antibiotic Good Sense First Aid Antibiotic Green Guard Triple Antibiotic Medi-first Medi-First Plus Triple Antibiotic Medi-First Triple Antibiotic Neosporin Original Thompson Triple Antibiotic Triple Antibiotic Xpect Triple Antibiotic
    How this form is used
    What it may be used for
    • First aid to help prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns
    • Temporary relief of pain and itching associated with minor burns, minor cuts, and scrapes
    Important instructions
    • Clean the affected area before applying
    • Apply a small amount (about the size of a fingertip) to the area 1 to 3 times daily
    • May be covered with a sterile bandage
    • Do not use for longer than 1 week unless directed by a doctor; children under 2 years should use only under a doctor's direction
    Available strengths 33 strengths
    Show 27 more strengths Show fewer strengths
    400 [IU]/g / 3.5 mg/g / 5000 [IU]/g 400 [USP'U]/g / 3.5 mg/g / 5000 [USP'U]/g 400 mg/mL / 5 mg/mL / 5000 U/mL 400 [IU]/g / 5 mg/g / 5000 [IU]/g 400 [USP'U]/g / 5 mg/g / 5000 [USP'U]/g 400 [IU]/g / 35 mg/g / 5000 [IU]/g BACITRACIN 400 [USP'U]/1; NEOMYCIN 3.5 mg/1; POLYMYXIN B 5000 [USP'U] BACITRACIN 400 [USP'U]/1; POLYMYXIN B 5000 [USP'U]/1; NEOMYCIN 3.5 mg 400 U/g / 5 mg/g / 5000 U/g BACITRACIN ZINC 400 [CFU]/g; NEOMYCIN SULFATE 3.5 mg/g; POLYMYXIN B SULFATE 5000 [CFU]/g BACITRACIN ZINC 400 [IU]/g; NEOMYCIN SULFATE 3.5 mg/g; POLYMYXIN B SULFATE 5000 [IU]/g BACITRACIN ZINC 400 [IU]/g; NEOMYCIN SULFATE 5 mg/g; POLYMYXIN B SULFATE 5000 [IU]/g BACITRACIN ZINC 400 [IU]/g; NEOMYCIN SULFATE 35 mg/g; POLYMYXIN B SULFATE 5000 [IU]/g BACITRACIN ZINC 400 [USP'U]/g; NEOMYCIN SULFATE 0.0035 g/g; POLYMYXIN B SULFATE 5000 [USP'U]/g BACITRACIN ZINC 400 [USP'U]/g; NEOMYCIN SULFATE 3.5 mg/g; POLYMYXIN B SULFATE 5000 [USP'U]/g BACITRACIN ZINC 400 [USP'U]/g; NEOMYCIN SULFATE 5 mg/g; POLYMYXIN B SULFATE 5000 [USP'U]/g BACITRACIN ZINC 400 [USP'U]/g; POLYMYXIN B SULFATE 5000 [USP'U]/g; NEOMYCIN SULFATE 3.5 mg/g 500 U/g / 3.5 mg/g / 10000 U/g 500 [IU]/g / 3.5 mg/g / 10000 [IU]/g 500 [USP'U]/g / 3.5 mg/g / 10000 [USP'U]/g / 10 mg/g BACITRACIN ZINC 500 [IU]/g; NEOMYCIN SULFATE 3.5 mg/g; POLYMYXIN B SULFATE 10000 [IU]/g BACITRACIN ZINC 500 [USP'U]/g; NEOMYCIN SULFATE 3.5 mg/g; POLYMYXIN B SULFATE 10000 [USP'U]/g; PRAMOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE 10 mg/g POLYMYXIN B 5000 [USP'U]/1; BACITRACIN 400 [USP'U]/1; NEOMYCIN 3.5 mg POLYMYXIN B SULFATE 5000 [IU]/g; BACITRACIN ZINC 400 [IU]/g; NEOMYCIN SULFATE 3.5 mg/g POLYMYXIN B SULFATE 5000 [USP'U]/g; BACITRACIN ZINC 400 [USP'U]/g; NEOMYCIN SULFATE 3.5 mg/g POLYMYXIN B SULFATE 5000 [USP'U]/g; NEOMYCIN SULFATE 3.5 mg/g; BACITRACIN ZINC 400 [USP'U]/g POLYMYXIN B SULFATE 50000 [IU]/g; NEOMYCIN SULFATE 5 mg/g; BACITRACIN ZINC 400 [IU]/g
    369 FDA-listed product records

    Eye ointment

    In the eye
    Brands Neomycin and Polymyxin B Sulfates and Bacitracin Zinc
    How this form is used
    What it may be used for
    • Neomycin and Polymyxin B Sulfates and Bacitracin Zinc Ophthalmic Ointment is used as an eye-specific antibacterial treatment
    Important instructions
    • Neomycin and Polymyxin B Sulfates and Bacitracin Zinc Ophthalmic Ointment is for ophthalmic (eye) use only — do not use a skin product in the eye
    • Do not use if you are allergic to any of the ingredients
    • Follow your prescriber's directions carefully for dosing and frequency
    Available strengths 2 strengths
    9 FDA-listed product records

    Topical solution

    On the skin
    Brands First Aid Antibiotic
    How this form is used
    What it may be used for
    • First Aid Antibiotic topical solution is used to prepare the skin before an injection
    • First Aid Antibiotic topical solution is used for antiseptic cleansing of the face, hands, and body
    • First Aid Antibiotic topical solution helps prevent infection and provides temporary relief of pain and itching from minor burns, scrapes, and insect bites
    Important instructions
    • First Aid Antibiotic topical solution (injection prep): wipe the injection site vigorously with the product and discard
    • First Aid Antibiotic topical solution (cleansing towelette): tear open the packet, unfold the towelette, cleanse the desired skin area, and discard after single use
    • First Aid Antibiotic topical solution is flammable — keep away from fire or flame
    • Avoid contact with eyes; if contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water
    Available strengths 1 strength
    2 FDA-listed product records

    📊 Neomycin, Polymyxin, and Bacitracin Ophthalmic across the U.S. market

    How Neomycin, Polymyxin, and Bacitracin Ophthalmic appears in the FDA’s National Drug Code Directory — including its dosage forms, strengths, brand names, manufacturers, and FDA-listed product records. These are directory records, not sales or prescription volume.

    3
    Dose forms
    137
    Manufacturers
    40
    Brand names
    383
    FDA-listed product records
    1995
    First marketed

    FDA-listed product records by dose form (tablet variants merged) — FDA National Drug Code Directory. Record counts are not sales or prescription volume.

    Also listed with the FDA, not a patient dose form: Kit (3) — bulk drug substance sold to compounders/manufacturers and multi-item kits. These aren’t counted in the dose-form total above.

    Unifirst First Aid Corporation10%
    Trifecta Pharmaceuticals Usa Llc6%
    Nantong Health & Beyond Hygienic Products Inc.6%
    Orazen Inc6%
    Safetec of America, Inc.4%
    Thompson3%
    Other makers65%

    Share of FDA-listed product records by manufacturer — FDA National Drug Code Directory. Record counts are not sales or prescription volume.

    📈 How widely Neomycin, Polymyxin, and Bacitracin Ophthalmic is used

    A general measure of how commonly Neomycin, Polymyxin, and Bacitracin Ophthalmic is prescribed, based on Medicaid — one of the largest public drug programs. The figure below is prescriptions filled in Q1–Q4 2025, summed across every form and brand of the drug.

    Think of this as a proxy for how widely Neomycin, Polymyxin, and Bacitracin Ophthalmic is used, drawn from freely available public data. Medicaid is just one program — these numbers don’t include Medicare, other government coverage, or commercial and cash-pay prescriptions, so real-world use is higher than what’s shown here.

    51,806
    Medicaid prescriptions filled (Q1–Q4 2025)
    $598,834 gross Medicaid reimbursement (before mandatory rebates — net cost is lower)

    How commonly is Neomycin, Polymyxin, and Bacitracin Ophthalmic prescribed? Of the 1,594 medications we measure, Neomycin, Polymyxin, and Bacitracin Ophthalmic ranks #629 by Medicaid prescriptions — more than 61% of them.

    Where Neomycin, Polymyxin, and Bacitracin Ophthalmic ranks among the drugs we measure · Q1–Q4 2025 · neighbors ±5

    Source: Medicaid State Drug Utilization Data (CMS), aggregated by generic ingredient — summed across every NDC (all brands, strengths, salt forms and dosage forms) of Neomycin, Polymyxin, and Bacitracin Ophthalmic, and across all states and both fee-for-service and managed-care claims. A general popularity signal; it excludes Medicare, commercial insurance and cash prescriptions, so it is not total U.S. use. Based on the 12 of 361 listed Neomycin, Polymyxin, and Bacitracin Ophthalmic NDCs with Medicaid activity.

    🔍 Compare Neomycin, Polymyxin, and Bacitracin Ophthalmic products

    A representative set of FDA-listed product records for Neomycin, Polymyxin, and Bacitracin Ophthalmic — across manufacturers, strengths, and dosage forms, grouped by form with each product’s manufacturer and how the FDA approved it. The same medicine may be made and packaged by different companies, so a single drug can have many directory entries. (It’s also why a refill can look different — a new shape, color, or box — even though it contains the same medication.)

    Showing 200 of 383 products — FDA National Drug Code Directory. See every product, package size and price: browse all 383 Neomycin, Polymyxin, and Bacitracin Ophthalmic NDCs →

    🏷️ Sold under these brand names

    Triple Antibiotic Neosporin Original Antibiotic Thompson Triple Antibiotic First Aid Antibiotic Good Sense First Aid Antibiotic Circle K Triple Antibiotic Medi-first Crane Safety Triple Antibiotic Medi-First Plus Triple Antibiotic Medi-First Triple Antibiotic Xpect Triple Antibiotic Triple Antibiotic Plus Pain Relief CareALL Triple Antibiotic Green Guard Triple Antibiotic Neomycin and Polymyxin B Sulfates and Bacitracin Zinc

    🏭 Manufacturers & labelers

    Unifirst First Aid Corporation 21 Trifecta Pharmaceuticals Usa Llc 14 Nantong Health & Beyond Hygienic Products Inc. 14 Orazen Inc 13 Safetec of America, Inc. 8 Thompson 7 Acme united Corporation 7 Crane Safety LLC 6 Premier Value Alliance LLC. 6 A-S Medication Solutions 6 Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. 5 GFA Production (Xiamen) Co., Ltd. 5 Veridian Healthcare 5 Lil Drug Store Products, Inc 5 Welly Health PBC 5 Preferred Pharmaceuticals Inc. 5 Walgreens 5 Proficient Rx LP 4 Topco Associates LLC 4 ProStat First Aid, LLC. 4 Kareway Product, Inc. 4 New World Imports, Inc 4 Cintas Corporation 4 Vive Health LLC 4

    …and 16 more on the FDA NDC directory.

    RxNorm drug class

    Neomycin, Polymyxin, and Bacitracin Ophthalmic belongs to the Other antibiotics for topical use class.

    Drug family (ATC) Other antibiotics for topical use, Other antibacterials, Antibiotics

    Classified by RxNorm RxClass — the U.S. National Library of Medicine's standardized drug-classification service (Established Pharmacologic Class from the FDA, the ATC drug family from the WHO, and mechanism of action). Reference only, not medical advice.

    🔬 Where this comes from

    Core label, product, RxNorm, safety, and utilization data on this page come from the sources identified below. AI-written, editorial, and licensed sections are labeled separately.

    📄
    FDA-filed drug labels (SPL) Uses, dosing, warnings & side effects from SPL records retrieved through openFDA; the linked representative set can be verified on DailyMed. ✓ Linked label effective Feb 2, 2022
    🏭
    Forms, brands & labelersAggregated from ingredient-matched FDA National Drug Code Directory product records for Neomycin, Polymyxin, and Bacitracin Ophthalmic.
    📈
    Real-world reportsThe FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), served through openFDA.
    🚨
    Recalls & shortagesopenFDA drug-enforcement reports and the FDA drug-shortage database.
    🧾 Clinical label set — FDA-filed SPL labels retained for Neomycin, Polymyxin, and Bacitracin Ophthalmic after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching
    Clinical labels in scope
    171
    NDC products indexed
    383
    Distinct labelers/manufacturers represented
    137
    Linked representative label
    Mwi
    Linked label effective
    Feb 2, 2022
    Composite sections available
    14
    Linked SPL Set ID
    0f651b47-ef7e-4d07-b3b1-8baade8b9031
    Linked SPL Document ID
    95de95d4-4393-4a34-a9c7-63169e112f85
    Open the linked representative label on DailyMed ↗

    How we combine label and product data

    HelloPharmacist combines public FDA and NLM records; we don’t author the underlying clinical facts. We identified 171 FDA-filed SPL label sets within the page’s selected clinical scope after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching. The representative label is the starting point for the displayed reference monograph; the 12 largest stored in-scope SPL records, which may include that representative, are compared section by section, and the longest available version of each section is retained. Forms, routes, brands, labelers, product-listed strengths, and product-record counts are aggregated separately from ingredient-matched FDA NDC Directory records; package records listed above are associated with the linked SPL; and the normalized concept hierarchy comes from NLM RxNorm.

    Where a section is identified as AI-written, its plain-language text is generated from bounded label evidence. New draft drug pages remain in the admin review queue before first publication. Mwi is the representative DailyMed label linked for verification and dates; it is not the sole source used for the page.

    This is general education, not medical advice — always consult your doctor or pharmacist about your medications and any medical condition. For the exact wording of the linked representative label, view that label on DailyMed; some displayed composite sections may come from other in-scope SPL labels. Learn how we use AI and our data sources & update cadence.