FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19
No. None of the NEOSPORIN® antibiotic products have been tested or formulated to prevent against COVID-19 or any other virus. The intended use for these products is to help prevent infection by killing bacteria.
No, BAND-AID® Brand INFECTION DEFENSE® Bandages with NEOSPORIN® are not tested or designed for protection against viruses such as COVID-19. They have been designed to help prevent infection of minor wounds from bacteria only.
Our Products
It depends what you’re looking for. Most of our products are intended to help prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns.
There are several products that have ingredients for pain relief in addition to our antibiotic formula—just look for + Pain Relief on the packaging. And we have products specifically for children as well, if that’s what you’d like.
The combination of antibiotic ingredients in each NEOSPORIN® product kills infection-causing bacteria.
Neomycin sulfate is in the aminoglycoside family of antibiotics. It’s active against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
Polymyxin B is a cationic polypeptide antibiotic, which is active against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
Bacitracin zinc is a cyclic polypeptide antibiotic that’s effective against gram-positive bacteria. (Please note, 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, Pramoxine is not present in NEOSPORIN® Original First Aid Antibiotic Ointment.)
Gluten-containing ingredients are not added to any of the NEOSPORIN® creams, sprays, foaming liquid, or lip protectant.
No. The formula in our NEOSPORIN® antibiotic products does not contain penicillin or a penicillin derivative.
No. The formula in our NEOSPORIN® antibiotic products does not contain animal derivatives.
No. None of the ingredients are sulfanomide (sulfa) antibiotics. However, if you have any concerns, consult with a healthcare professional before using NEOSPORIN® products.
No. If your product has expired, please properly discard of it and get a new one if needed.
The expiration date for NEOSPORIN® products can be found on the box flap and on the crimped end of the product tube.
NEOSPORIN® side effects may include:
Itching1
Skin rash1
Redness1
Swelling1
Speak to your doctor if you experience any of these effects.
NEOSPORIN® is normally safe to use while pregnant. However, you should tell your healthcare provider before applying it topically.
If you suffer minor sunburn, applying a thin layer of NEOSPORIN® can help prevent infection and soothe the pain.
When dealing with burns in general:
Hold the damaged area under cool, running water2. Soak the burn in a bowl of cool (but not iced) water
Keep the area under cool water for five to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the burn and the level of pain3
After soaking, pat the damaged area gently with a clean, soft cloth. Then apply a thin layer of NEOSPORIN®3
When the burn has been treated, use a sterile adhesive bandage or gauze to cover it3, keep the treatment in place and help protect against infection
While NEOSPORIN® can be applied to the face, using it on large areas of skin is not recommended. Check with your doctor or a healthcare professional before applying.
NEOSPORIN® is not designed to help with acne or acne scarring.
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.
NEOSPORIN® is safe to put on stitches, but take care not to rub the stitching as you could open the wound. To help relieve pain and itching, and help reduce scarring, try NEOSPORIN® + Pain, Itch, Scar. Apply gently and sparingly.
We do not advise putting NEOSPORIN® inside your eyes, nose or mouth4.
Cold sores are caused by viral infection5, whereas NEOSPORIN® is used to help stop the spread of bacteria6. You should avoid getting NEOSPORIN® in your mouth or swallowing any. If you do, seek medical help.
We are sorry to inform you that the NEOSPORIN® Eczema Essentials Daily Moisturizing Cream has been discontinued.
First Aid Care
NEOSPORIN® antibiotic products are only intended to be used as first aid products to help prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns.
By using NEOSPORIN® antibiotic products to kill germs, you can help prevent infection and heal up to four days faster**. It can also help minimize the appearance of scars.
** versus bandage alone
We always recommend the three steps of proper wound care:
Clean. Use soap and water first and then follow up with antiseptic, or use antiseptic when there is no access to soap and water.
Treat. Apply a small amount of your choice of NEOSPORIN® antibiotic product on the area.
Protect. Cover the treated area with a sterile bandage such as a BAND-AID® product.
NEOSPORIN® products are indicated for children 2 years and above. For children under 2 years of age, we always recommend contacting your physician.
No. However, DESITIN® diaper rash ointment is an effective diaper rash treatment.
We know how well NEOSPORIN® first aid antibiotics work for you, but we don’t recommend using them on animals. Please consult your veterinarian for suitable treatment.
Allergies
We have a variety of NEOSPORIN® antibiotic products that may meet your needs:
If allergic to Neomycin Sulfate, we recommend using our Neomycin-free products: SIMPLY NEOSPORIN™ or POLYSPORIN®, which contain double antibiotic drugs, Bacitracin Zinc and Polymyxin B Sulfate.
If allergic to Bacitracin Zinc, we recommend using our Bacitracin-free products: NEOSPORIN® + Pain Relief Cream and NEOSPORIN® + Pain Relief Cream for Kids, which contain double antibiotic drugs, Neomycin Sulfate and Polymyxin B Sulfate.
We love to hear from our consumers. This page is intended for comments, questions, and feedback about our products.
Please note: our email response time is typically between 48-72 hours.
For an immediate response or to report an adverse event or side effect from our products, please call us at
Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:30pm ET
If you have a medical emergency or if you need specific medical advice, you should contact your primary healthcare provider, poison control center, or your local emergency room.
References:
1https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/neomycin-polymyxin-b-and-bacitracin-topical-route/side-effects/drg-20062350
2https://familydoctor.org/treat-common-household-injuries
3https://www.mayoclneinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-electrical-burns/basics/art-20056687
4https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/18349-bacitracin-neomycin-polymyxin-b-skin-ointment
5https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601098.html
6https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cold-sore/symptoms-causes/syc-20371017
7https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601098.html#how