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Neomycin Topical

Neomycin topical is an antibiotic applied to the skin to help prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns.

Brand names MyciguentNeovetFirst Aid Only Neomycin AntibioticVitacilina Neomycin Sulfate First Aid AntibioticPomada de Sulfa +3 more
Drug classes Aminoglycoside Antibacterial
OTC Forms 2
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Reviewed by Last reviewed Jul 10, 2026 Content updated Oct 5, 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 9 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 →

✓No current FDA shortage listed · checked Oct 5, 2026
Neomycin Topical at a glance The quick version — the full detail is in the Patient Information Guide below.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
The Pharmacist’s Take By · Clinical pharmacist · Written

Neomycin topical is an over-the-counter first-aid antibiotic for minor cuts, scrapes and burns that blocks bacteria from making the proteins they need to grow, an old standby on the market since the 1950s and available as a generic. Most people tolerate it well, though some notice mild irritation or redness where it goes on. Watch for an itchy rash or a wound that gets worse instead of better, because neomycin is a well-known cause of skin allergy; if either happens, stop it and check with a doctor. Use it only on small wounds, never in the eyes, and for no more than a week unless a doctor says otherwise.

Clinical pearls

  • Skip it on puncture wounds, animal bites and serious burns, since those need proper medical care, not a first-aid cream.
  • Covering large patches of broken skin lets more neomycin soak into the body, so treat only small areas.
  • If neomycin ever gives you a rash, add it to your allergy list, since many triple-antibiotic ointments also contain it.
  • Keep it away from children, because swallowing it or getting it in the eyes calls for emergency medical help.
How we write & review this content — our editorial policy →
How you get itOver the counter
Comes asTopical cream, ointment or gel, Topical powder
Earliest FDA record1954
Companies listing it with the FDA9
FDA label last updatedFeb 8, 2024
FDA’s strongest warning (boxed)None on the label

Patient information guide A plain-language walkthrough of Neomycin Topical, written from its FDA label.

What Neomycin Topical is used for

▾

Neomycin topical is used as a first-aid antibiotic applied to the skin. It is indicated for:

  • Minor cuts — to help prevent infection
  • Minor scrapes — to help prevent infection
  • Minor burns — to help prevent infection

How Neomycin Topical works

▾

Neomycin kills bacteria by interfering with their ability to make proteins — a process that is essential for bacterial survival. Without it, susceptible bacteria can't grow or reproduce. It works primarily against gram-negative bacteria (a large class of common bacteria) but also has some activity against gram-positive bacteria.

Neomycin is not active against anaerobic bacteria (bacteria that live without oxygen), so it won't cover every possible infection-causing organism.

Neomycin Topical dosage

▾

Neomycin topical is applied directly to the skin. Use it only on small, minor wounds — not over large areas of the body. Do not use it for more than one week unless a doctor advises otherwise. Always follow the directions on your specific product label.

Dosing details from the FDA-approved label

From the Neomycin Topical prescribing information (“Dosage and Administration”). Doses are set by your prescriber for your product, condition, kidney function and age — never change a dose on your own.

Read the label’s full dosing text

Directions Industrial Storage & Handling Directions: - Warehouse bulk storage: Seal drums tightly, store at 20–25°C (68-77°F) - Avoid direct sunlight, excessive moisture & extreme temperature fluctuation - Handling: Transfer under low-dust ventilation hood only

Read the full Dosage and Administration section on DailyMed →

Neomycin Topical side effects

▾

Neomycin topical is generally well tolerated, but some reactions can occur:

Common side effects

  • Skin irritation at the application site
  • Rash or redness
  • Allergic reaction
  • Skin irritation where it is applied

When to get medical help

  • Stop use and ask a doctor if the wound condition gets worse or does not improve
  • Get medical help right away if a rash or signs of an allergic reaction develop
  • Seek emergency medical help if the product is accidentally swallowed or gets in the eyes

Neomycin Topical warnings and precautions

▾
  • Do not use in the eyes — this product is for skin only.
  • Do not apply over large areas of the body — greater skin coverage can increase absorption into the bloodstream.
  • Do not use on puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns — these need proper medical evaluation.
  • Do not use for more than 1 week without a doctor's guidance.
  • Stop use if the wound worsens or doesn't improve, or if a rash or allergic reaction develops.
  • Do not use if you are allergic to any ingredient in the product.

Neomycin Topical interactions

▾

The supplied product information does not describe specific drug, food, or supplement interactions for neomycin topical. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about other products you're using on the same area of skin.

Not a complete list. The label covers the interactions the manufacturer studied or reported, and our own interaction database does not cover every medicine either. Bring your full medication list, including vitamins and herbal products, to your pharmacist.

🌿55 supplements and herbs with documented Neomycin Topical interactions, ranked by severity Check Neomycin Topical against a supplement or herb →

Before taking Neomycin Topical

▾
  • Do not use if you have a known allergy to neomycin or any other ingredient in the product.
  • Do not apply to the eyes, over large areas of skin, puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
  • Do not use for more than 1 week unless directed by a doctor.
  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a doctor before use.
  • Keep out of reach of children and only use as directed.

What Neomycin Topical does in the body

▾

Neomycin is bactericidal — meaning it kills bacteria rather than just slowing their growth. It works primarily against gram-negative bacilli and has some activity against gram-positive organisms. It is not effective against anaerobic bowel flora (bacteria that survive without oxygen).

How your body processes Neomycin Topical

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When applied to intact skin topically, only a small fraction of neomycin is absorbed into the body. Any amount that is absorbed is distributed to body tissues and cleared primarily through the kidneys. With repeated use, neomycin can accumulate in kidney tissue and in the inner ear. After stopping use, tissue-bound neomycin is released slowly over several weeks.

How to store Neomycin Topical

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store at 20-25° C (68-77° F) ■ protect from excessive moisture Shelf life: 24 months from production date when properly stored

Written from the FDA-approved label with AI and reviewed by our pharmacy team. How we use AI →

55

Supplements & herbs that interact with Neomycin Topical

55 supplements and herbal products have documented interactions with Neomycin Topical in the licensed clinical database we use. Most are manageable — but your pharmacist should know about everything you take, including vitamins and herbals.

Severity mix
  • Major · 3
  • Moderate · 40
  • Minor · 12
ACTIVATED CHARCOAL Major ASARABACCA Major SIBERIAN COCKLEBUR Major ARISTOLOCHIA Moderate BACILLUS COAGULANS Moderate Bacillus Subtilis Moderate BIFIDOBACTERIUM ANIMALIS SUBSP. LACTIS Moderate BIFIDOBACTERIUM BIFIDUM Moderate +47 more
Every supplement checked against Neomycin Topical — ranked by severity The full interaction hub: 3 major · 40 moderate · 12 minor · every one linked to its full report. Check Neomycin Topical against your exact supplements

Educational information from a licensed clinical database (Natural Medicines) — see our data sources & update cadence. Not medical advice: an interaction being documented does not mean it will happen to you; do not start or stop medications or supplements without professional guidance.

10

Nutrient depletion considerations

Neomycin Topical has been associated with lower levels of 10 nutrients in the clinical literature. This does not mean a deficiency will occur — it means these may be worth discussing with your pharmacist or healthcare provider, especially with long-term use.

Evidence & significance mix
  • Higher significance · 8
  • Moderate · 2
BETA-CAROTENE Insignificant Depletion BIOTIN Insignificant Depletion FOLIC ACID Insignificant Depletion RIBOFLAVIN Insignificant Depletion THIAMINE Insignificant Depletion VITAMIN A Insignificant Depletion VITAMIN B12 Insignificant Depletion VITAMIN B6 Insignificant Depletion +2 more
See the full Neomycin Topical nutrient depletion report

Educational information from a licensed clinical database (Natural Medicines) — not medical advice. Do not start or stop medications or supplements without professional guidance.

Neomycin Topical: pharmacist answers to common questions

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

What is neomycin topical actually for?

▾
It's a first-aid antibiotic you put directly on the skin to help prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes, and small burns. It's not meant for serious wounds or large areas of the body — just everyday minor injuries you might get at home.

How do I use it and how often?

▾
Apply it directly to the affected area of skin. Follow the directions on your specific product label for how often to use it. As a general rule, don't use it for more than one week unless your doctor says otherwise. And don't put it in your eyes — it's for skin only.

What should I watch out for while using it?

▾
The main thing to watch for is a rash or any sign of an allergic reaction — like increased redness, swelling, or itching at or near the application site. If that happens, stop using it right away and let your doctor know. Also stop if the wound doesn't seem to be getting better or if it gets worse.

Can I use it on any kind of wound?

▾
No — this product is only for minor cuts, scrapes, and small burns. Don't use it on puncture wounds (like a nail or bite), animal bites, or serious burns. Those types of injuries need a proper medical evaluation, not just an over-the-counter antibiotic.

Is it safe to use if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

▾
You should ask your doctor before using it if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. It's a precaution worth taking, even though this is an over-the-counter product applied to the skin.

Are there people who should not use this at all?

▾
Yes — if you're allergic to neomycin or any of the other ingredients in the product, don't use it. If you've ever had a reaction to a topical antibiotic in the past, check with your pharmacist before trying this one.

Is Neomycin Topical available over the counter?

▾
Yes. The Neomycin Topical products listed with the FDA are sold over the counter, without a prescription (the topical cream, ointment or gel and topical powder forms). Follow the package directions. Your pharmacist can tell you which product is right for you.

When was Neomycin Topical first available?

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The earliest FDA record we hold for Neomycin Topical is from 1954: its first approval in Drugs@FDA or its earliest product listing in the NDC Directory, whichever is older. Many older medicines were in use before their first formal FDA approval, so this is the earliest date on record, not necessarily when Neomycin Topical was first used.

Who makes Neomycin Topical?

▾
9 companies currently list Neomycin Topical products in the FDA's NDC Directory, including Acme United Corporation, Aldermed Inc., Compania Internacional de Comercio, S.A.P.I de C.V.. That count includes repackagers and distributors as well as manufacturers (companies that sell only the raw ingredient are not counted), so fewer companies actually make it; the label on your bottle names the one that supplied yours.

Answers drafted from the FDA-approved label with AI and reviewed by our pharmacy team. How we use AI →

More about Neomycin Topical on HelloPharmacist

📊Neomycin Topical supplement interactions55 checked — ranked by severity 🌿Drug & Supplement CheckerNeomycin Topical vs. vitamins & herbs 💬Ask a PharmacistFree answer, usually < 24h 🔎NDC & pricing lookupFind Neomycin Topical NDCs & costs 🅰️Browse Drugs A–ZLook up any medication
Detailed data & references for Neomycin Topical Forms & strengths, pricing, billing codes, manufacturers, safety reports and sourcing — the data behind the page. Most people can stop here. Each section below opens on a tap.

Neomycin Topical forms and strengths (how it comes)

Neomycin Topical is available in 2 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 First Aid Only Neomycin Antibiotic Pomada de Sulfa Pomada Sulfa First Aid Antibiotic Single Antibiotic with Neomycin Vitacilina Neomycin Sulfate First Aid Antibiotic
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • First aid to help prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns
Important instructions
  • Apply directly to the affected area of skin
  • Do not apply in or near the eyes
  • Do not apply over large areas of the body or on puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns
  • Do not use for more than 1 week unless directed by a doctor
Available strengths 4 strengths
3.5 mg/g 5 mg/100 g 5 mg/g 0.5 g/100 g
14 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Topical powder

On the skin
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • First aid to help prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns
Important instructions
  • Apply directly to the affected area of skin
  • Do not apply in or near the eyes
  • Do not apply over large areas of the body or on puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns
  • Do not use for more than 1 week unless directed by a doctor
Available strengths 1 strength
100 kg/100 kg
1 FDA-listed product record ⓘ

Neomycin Topical on the U.S. market: products, makers and brands

How Neomycin Topical 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.

9 companies list 9 Neomycin Topical product records with the FDA, mostly as topical cream, ointment or gel, topical powder; the earliest marketing or approval year on record is 1954. Brand names on the directory include Myciguent, Neovet, First Aid Only Neomycin Antibiotic and 5 more; the rest are generics.

2
Dose forms ⓘ
9
Labelers (makers, repackagers, distributors)
8
Brand names
9
FDA-listed product records ⓘ
1954
Earliest FDA record ⓘ

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

Acme United Corporation11%
Aldermed Inc.11%
Compania Internacional de Comercio, S.A.P.I de C.V.11%
Dynarex Corporation11%
Grandall Distributing, Llc11%
Menper Distributors, Inc.11%
Other makers33%

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

Compare Neomycin Topical products

A representative set of FDA-listed product records for Neomycin Topical — 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.)

Strength Route Manufacturer / Labeler Category ⓘ Details
💊Topical cream, ointment or gel
3.5 mg/g Topical Acme United Corporation OTC MONOGRAPH DRUG View NDC →
5 mg/100 g Topical Aldermed Inc. OTC MONOGRAPH DRUG View NDC →
3.5 mg/g Topical Compania Internacional de Comercio, S.A.P.I de C.V. OTC MONOGRAPH DRUG View NDC →
5 mg/g Topical Dynarex Corporation OTC MONOGRAPH DRUG View NDC →
0.5 g/100 g Topical Grandall Distributing, Llc OTC MONOGRAPH DRUG View NDC →
3.5 mg/g Topical Menper Distributors, Inc. OTC MONOGRAPH DRUG View NDC →
3.5 mg/g Topical Safetec of America OTC MONOGRAPH DRUG View NDC →
3.5 mg/g Topical Total Resources International OTC MONOGRAPH DRUG View NDC →
💊Topical powder
100 kg/100 kg Topical Shaanxi Shuvita Biotech Co., Ltd OTC MONOGRAPH DRUG View NDC →

Showing 9 of 9 products — FDA National Drug Code Directory. See every product, package size and price: browse all 9 Neomycin Topical NDCs →

Neomycin Topical recall history

A recall is when a specific batch of a medicine is pulled from the market — usually a manufacturing issue, not a problem with the drug itself. Class I is most serious, Class III least.

The FDA’s enforcement reports list one Neomycin recall since July 2021. It is no longer listed as ongoing. A recall names specific lots from one company, so check the lot number on your own bottle rather than assuming every product is affected; your pharmacist can check whether your supply came from an affected lot.

Class II Aug 23, 2022 · Terminated · Teva Pharmaceuticals USA Inc
CGMP Deviations: A foreign matter identified as teflon was found in the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) used in the manufacture of Neomycin Sulfate Tablets, USP 500 mg.
  • Neomycin Sulfate Tablets, USP 500 mg , 100-count bottles, Rx only, Distributed by: TEVA PHARMACEUTICALS USA, INC North Wales, PA 19454, NDC 0093-1177-01 Lots: Lot #: 3007830, 3007746, 3007829, Exp. Date 10/2024 FDA record D-1473-2022 →

Source: FDA enforcement (recall) reports, via openFDA; our copy was last updated Sep 24, 2026.

RxNorm Concept Web — From Ingredient to Every Form and Strength

This page starts with one ingredient concept (IN). The branches below show its dose-form concepts (SCDF), then the available clinical drug and strength concepts (SCD). Combination products remain separate concepts with their own pages.

Ingredient (IN) Neomycin Topical RxCUI 7299 5 dose forms · 9 strengths
  1. Dose form (SCDF) Ophthalmic Ointment RxCUI 373018 No current FDA listing
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 0.005 MG/MG RxCUI 251191
  2. Dose form (SCDF) Ophthalmic Solution RxCUI 373019 No current FDA listing
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 5 MG/ML RxCUI 251172
  3. Dose form (SCDF) Oral Solution RxCUI 373020 No current FDA listing
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) sulfate 200 MG/ML RxCUI 1995466 sulfate 25 MG/ML RxCUI 1374842 140 MG/ML RxCUI 1366646
  4. Dose form (SCDF) Oral Tablet RxCUI 373022 No current FDA listing
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) sulfate 500 MG RxCUI 866042
  5. Dose form (SCDF) Topical Ointment RxCUI 373017 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) sulfate 0.005 MG/MG RxCUI 1544556 0.0035 MG/MG RxCUI 311928 0.005 MG/MG RxCUI 209765

Look up RxCUI 7299 in the RxCUI Atlas →

RxNorm is the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s normalized drug vocabulary. Its concept hierarchy can include forms that are not currently marketed; the status on each branch compares that concept with current FDA listings. RxCUIs identify vocabulary concepts, not individual packages or manufacturers.

Neomycin Topical brand names

Neomycin Topical is sold under 8 brand names in the FDA directory — Myciguent, Neovet, First Aid Only Neomycin Antibiotic, Vitacilina Neomycin Sulfate First Aid Antibiotic and others. A brand and its generic contain the same active ingredient; the brand name belongs to one company's product.

Myciguent Neovet First Aid Only Neomycin Antibiotic Vitacilina Neomycin Sulfate First Aid Antibiotic Pomada de Sulfa Single Antibiotic with Neomycin Pomada Sulfa First Aid Antibiotic Antibiotic

Who makes Neomycin Topical: manufacturers and labelers

9 companies list Neomycin Topical products with the FDA. By number of product records, the largest are Acme United Corporation, Aldermed Inc., Compania Internacional de Comercio, S.A.P.I de C.V.. Labelers include manufacturers and repackagers; the product in your bottle depends on which one your pharmacy stocks.

Acme United Corporation 1 Aldermed Inc. 1 Compania Internacional de Comercio, S.A.P.I de C.V. 1 Dynarex Corporation 1 Grandall Distributing, Llc 1 Menper Distributors, Inc. 1 Safetec of America 1 Shaanxi Shuvita Biotech Co., Ltd 1 Total Resources International 1

Neomycin Topical drug class (RxNorm)

Neomycin Topical belongs to the Aminoglycoside Antibacterial class.

Pharmacologic class Aminoglycoside Antibacterial
Drug family (ATC) Antiinfectives and antiseptics for local oral treatment, Antibiotics, Antiinfectives

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.

Sources for this Neomycin Topical page

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 8, 2024
🏭
Forms, brands & labelersAggregated from ingredient-matched FDA National Drug Code Directory product records for Neomycin Topical.
📈
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 Topical after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching
Clinical labels in scope
9
Finished products in the current FDA directory
9
Companies listing them (makers, repackagers, distributors)
9
FDA labeler codes behind them ⓘ
9
Linked representative label ⓘ
Safetec of America
Linked label effective
Feb 8, 2024
Composite sections available
8
Linked SPL Set ID
e989cf7e-f3d1-42d2-af45-fc80095b97cb
Linked SPL Document ID
10dff217-0d5f-cc47-e063-6294a90a632d
Open the linked representative label on DailyMed ↗

How this page is built

HelloPharmacist combines public FDA and NLM records and does not author the underlying clinical facts. The plain-language sections are written with AI from the FDA-approved label text and reviewed by our pharmacy team before publication. Safetec of America is the representative DailyMed label linked for verification and dates. This is general education, not medical advice: always talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your own medicines. How we build and review drug pages →