What is Bacitracin and Polymyxin B: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

Bacitracin and polymyxin B is a combination antibiotic ointment that helps prevent and treat minor skin infections. This topical medication contains two different antibiotics that work together to fight bacteria on your skin's surface.

You might recognize this medication by its common brand name, Polysporin, which you can find in most pharmacies without a prescription. It's designed specifically for small cuts, scrapes, and minor burns where bacteria could cause problems.

What is Bacitracin and Polymyxin B?

This medication combines two powerful antibiotics in one convenient ointment. Bacitracin and polymyxin B each target different types of bacteria, making the combination more effective than either antibiotic alone.

The ointment comes as a smooth, clear to slightly yellow preparation that spreads easily on your skin. Unlike some other topical antibiotics, this combination doesn't contain neomycin, which makes it a good choice if you're allergic to that particular antibiotic.

You can apply it directly to clean, dry skin where you have minor wounds or areas at risk for infection. The medication stays on your skin's surface and doesn't get absorbed into your bloodstream in significant amounts.

What is Bacitracin and Polymyxin B Used For?

This antibiotic combination prevents and treats bacterial infections in minor skin wounds. It's most commonly used for small cuts, scrapes, and burns that might otherwise become infected.

Your doctor or pharmacist might recommend it when you have fresh wounds that need protection from bacteria. It's also helpful for minor surgical incisions or small areas where your skin has been damaged.

Here are the main conditions this medication can help with:

• Minor cuts and scrapes from everyday activities
• Small burns from cooking or household accidents
• Abrasions from falls or sports injuries
• Minor surgical wounds or biopsy sites
• Small areas of broken skin that look red or irritated

This medication works best on fresh, clean wounds rather than older infections that have already developed. If you notice pus, spreading redness, or fever, you'll need to see a healthcare provider for stronger treatment.

How Does Bacitracin and Polymyxin B Work?

These two antibiotics attack bacteria in different ways, which makes them stronger together than apart. Bacitracin stops bacteria from building their cell walls, while polymyxin B breaks down the outer membrane of bacterial cells.

Think of it like having two different keys to unlock a door. Bacitracin prevents bacteria from building strong walls around themselves, while polymyxin B actually breaks down the walls they already have.

This combination is considered a moderate-strength topical antibiotic. It's stronger than simple antiseptics like hydrogen peroxide, but not as powerful as prescription antibiotics you might take by mouth.

The medication starts working within hours of application, though you might not see visible improvement for 24 to 48 hours. It only affects bacteria on your skin's surface and doesn't treat infections deeper in your body.

How Should I Take Bacitracin and Polymyxin B?

Clean your hands thoroughly before applying this medication, then gently clean the affected area with mild soap and water. Pat the area dry with a clean towel before applying a thin layer of the ointment.

You don't need to eat anything special before or after using this medication since it only goes on your skin. However, make sure your skin is completely dry before application for the best results.

Apply the ointment 1 to 3 times daily, or as directed by your healthcare provider. Here's how to use it properly:

1. Wash your hands with soap and warm water
2. Clean the wound gently with mild soap and water
3. Pat the area completely dry with a clean towel
4. Apply a thin layer of ointment to cover the entire wound
5. Cover with a sterile bandage if recommended
6. Wash your hands again after application

Don't use more ointment than you need, as a thick layer won't work better and might actually slow healing. You can cover the area with a bandage if your doctor recommends it, but many minor wounds heal better when left uncovered.

How Long Should I Take Bacitracin and Polymyxin B For?

Most minor wounds need treatment for 3 to 7 days, depending on how quickly they heal. You should continue using the medication until your wound is completely healed and no longer at risk for infection.

Stop using the medication once your wound has closed completely and shows no signs of redness, swelling, or irritation. This usually happens within a week for most minor cuts and scrapes.

If you don't see improvement after 3 days of treatment, or if your wound gets worse, contact your healthcare provider. Sometimes minor wounds can develop into more serious infections that need stronger treatment.

Don't use this medication for longer than 7 days unless your doctor specifically tells you to. Extended use can sometimes lead to skin irritation or allow resistant bacteria to develop.

What Are the Side Effects of Bacitracin and Polymyxin B?

Most people can use this medication without experiencing any side effects. Since it stays on your skin's surface, serious reactions are uncommon.

The most frequent side effects are mild and happen right where you apply the medication. These usually go away on their own as your skin gets used to the treatment.

Here are the common side effects you might experience:

• Mild stinging or burning when you first apply it
• Slight redness around the treated area
• Dry or flaky skin where you use the ointment
• Temporary itching or mild irritation

These mild reactions usually improve within a day or two and don't require stopping the medication. However, some people can develop more serious allergic reactions that need immediate attention.

Contact your healthcare provider right away if you experience these rare but serious side effects:

• Severe rash or hives beyond the treatment area
• Significant swelling of your face, lips, or tongue
• Difficulty breathing or wheezing
• Severe burning or pain that gets worse instead of better
• Signs of worsening infection like increased pus or red streaks

True allergic reactions to this medication are uncommon, but they can be serious when they occur. If you've had allergic reactions to other topical antibiotics, tell your pharmacist or doctor before using this medication.

Who Should Not Take Bacitracin and Polymyxin B?

Most people can safely use this medication, but there are some situations where it's not recommended. If you're allergic to bacitracin or polymyxin B, you should avoid this combination completely.

You should also be cautious if you have certain medical conditions or take specific medications. Always check with your healthcare provider if you're not sure whether this medication is safe for you.

Here are the main situations where you shouldn't use this medication:

• Known allergy to bacitracin, polymyxin B, or similar antibiotics
• Large or deep wounds that need medical attention
• Severe burns covering more than a small area
• Puncture wounds or animal bites
• Infected wounds with pus or red streaking

Be extra careful if you have kidney problems, as polymyxin B can sometimes affect kidney function if absorbed in large amounts. While this is rare with topical use, it's still worth mentioning to your doctor.

If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, this medication is generally considered safe for small areas of skin. However, it's always best to check with your healthcare provider before using any medication during pregnancy.

Bacitracin and Polymyxin B Brand Names

The most common brand name for this combination is Polysporin, which you can find in most pharmacies and stores. This brand offers the medication in various forms including ointments and creams.

You might also see generic versions simply labeled as "bacitracin and polymyxin B" or "double antibiotic ointment." These generic options work just as well as the brand-name versions and often cost less.

Some other brand names include Ak-Poly-Bac for eye preparations and various store brands like CVS, Walgreens, or Target's generic versions. The active ingredients remain the same regardless of the brand name.

Bacitracin and Polymyxin B Alternatives

Several other topical antibiotics can work similarly to this combination. The most common alternative is triple antibiotic ointment, which contains neomycin in addition to bacitracin and polymyxin B.

If you're allergic to this combination, mupirocin (Bactroban) is a prescription alternative that works differently but treats similar skin infections. For very minor wounds, simple antiseptics like hydrogen peroxide or alcohol might be sufficient.

Here are some alternatives your healthcare provider might suggest:

• Triple antibiotic ointment (adds neomycin to the combination)
• Mupirocin (Bactroban) - prescription only
• Retapamulin (Altabax) - prescription for impetigo
• Simple antiseptics like hydrogen peroxide or iodine
• Antibiotic-free wound care products

Sometimes the best alternative is simply keeping wounds clean and covered without any antibiotic. Many minor wounds heal perfectly well with just soap, water, and a clean bandage.

Is Bacitracin and Polymyxin B Better Than Neosporin?

This combination is actually very similar to Neosporin, with one key difference. Neosporin contains three antibiotics (bacitracin, polymyxin B, and neomycin), while this medication only has two.

The main advantage of bacitracin and polymyxin B is that it doesn't contain neomycin, which causes allergic reactions in some people. If you've had problems with triple antibiotic ointments before, this two-antibiotic combination might work better for you.

Both medications work equally well for preventing infection in minor wounds. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference and whether you've had allergic reactions to neomycin.

Some healthcare providers actually prefer this combination because it has fewer ingredients that can cause allergic reactions. However, both medications are effective for their intended uses.