

Here are some answers to the most common patient questions about NEOSPORIN® First Aid Antibiotic Ointment:
Are there animal derivatives in NEOSPORIN® First Aid Antibiotics?
No.
Are there any sulfa or sulfur-containing ingredients in NEOSPORIN® First Aid Antibiotics?
No. None of the ingredients are sulfanomide (sulfa) antibiotics. However, if you have any concerns, consult with a healthcare professional before using NEOSPORIN® First Aid Antibiotics.
Can I use NEOSPORIN® First Aid Antibiotics for uses not on the label?
NEOSPORIN® First Aid Antibiotics are only indicated as first aid products to help prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes and burns.
Can I use NEOSPORIN® First Aid Antibiotics if my tube is expired?
No. If your product has expired, please properly discard of it and obtain new product.
Can I use NEOSPORIN® First Aid Antibiotics on my baby?
While there is no age limit for Original NEOSPORIN® First Aid Antibiotics, including Neo to Go!®, we always recommend contacting your physician before treating babies or young children under 2 years of age.
Maximum Strength NEOSPORIN® + Pain Relief First Aid Antibiotic/Pain Relieving Creams and Ointments are recommended for adults and children 2 years of age and older.
Can I use NEOSPORIN® First Aid Antibiotics on my baby’s diaper rash?
No, however, DESITIN® diaper rash ointment is an effective diaper rash treatment.
Can I use NEOSPORIN® First Aid Antibiotics on my pet?
We know how well NEOSPORIN® First Aid Antibiotics work for you, but we can't recommend using these products on animals. Please contact your veterinarian.
How can I read the expiration date for NEOSPORIN® First Aid Antibiotics?
The expiration date can be found on the box flap and on the crimped end of the product tube.
How do NEOSPORIN® First Aid Antibiotics work?
The combination of first aid antibiotics in each product help prevent infection by killing bacteria.
How should I use NEOSPORIN® First Aid Antibiotics?
Remember the 3 C’s of Proper Wound Care:
- Clean it! Clean the affected area.
- Coat it! Apply a small amount of this product (an amount equal to the surface area of a tip of a finger) on the area 1 to 3 times daily.
- Cover it! The treated area may be covered with a sterile bandage.
Is there gluten in NEOSPORIN® First Aid Antibiotics?
Gluten-containing ingredients are not added to NEOSPORIN® First Aid Antibiotics.
Is there penicillin (or a penicillin derivative) in NEOSPORIN® First Aid Antibiotics?
No.
What type of active ingredients are in NEOSPORIN® First Aid Antibiotics?
- Neomycin Sulfate is in the aminoglycoside family of antibiotics active against gram positive and gram negative bacteria.
- Polymyxin B is a cationic polypeptide antibiotic active against gram positive and gram negative bacteria.
- Bacitracin Zinc is a cyclic polypeptide antibiotic effective against gram positive bacteria. (Please note that Bacitracin Zinc is not present in Maximum Strength NEOSPORIN® + Pain Relief First Aid Antibiotic/Pain Relieving Cream because it is not stable in a cream formulation.)
- Pramoxine is an external analgesic that provides temporary relief of pain or discomfort. (Please note that Pramoxine is not present in Original NEOSPORIN® First Aid Antibiotic Ointment, including Neo to Go!®.)
WhichNEOSPORIN® First Aid Antibiotic is right for me?
All of the NEOSPORIN® First Aid Antibiotics below are first aid products to help prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes and burns. The following NEOSPORIN® First Aid Antibiotic products are available for you:
- Original NEOSPORIN®First Aid Antibiotic Ointment: Provides triple antibiotic infection protection in an ointment base. Also available in convenient, pocket-sized packets as Neo to go!®.
- Maximum Strength NEOSPORIN® + Pain Relief First Aid Antibiotic/Pain Relieving Cream: Provides first aid infection protection and maximum strength pain relief in a cream form.
- Maximum Strength NEOSPORIN® + Pain Relief First Aid Antibiotic/Pain Relieving Ointment: Provides first aid infection protection and maximum strength pain relief in an ointment base.



