Neosporin H Ointment

Composition of Neosporin H Ointment

Neosporin H Ointment contains Neomycin + Polymyxin B + Hydrocortisone. It belongs to the Topical antibacterial, Antibacterial agent and Systemic corticosteroid class of medicines.

Uses of Neosporin H Ointment

• prevents infection
• promotes healing
• suitable for all ages

Key benefits

• Treats a localised infection without whole-body antibiotics
• Targets infections that other antibiotic groups do not reach
• Fast and powerful control of inflammation
• Life-saving in severe allergic and autoimmune disease

How Neosporin H Ointment works

This medicine combines 3 active ingredients: Neomycin, Polymyxin b and Hydrocortisone. Neomycin kills the bacteria infecting the skin at the place it is applied. Polymyxin b kills or stops the growth of the bacteria causing your infection. Hydrocortisone suppresses inflammation and calms an over-active immune response throughout the body.

How to take Neosporin H Ointment

Clean the affected area, apply a small amount of ointment, and cover with a sterile bandage. Repeat 1-3 times daily.

Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Do not change the dose or stop early on your own.

Missed dose and overdose

If you miss a dose

Apply it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for the next application, skip the missed one — applying extra does not make up for it.

If you take too much

An overdose of this medicine is unlikely from skin use. It can cause vomiting, severe loose motions and nerve symptoms. It can cause weight gain, high blood sugar, bone thinning and suppression of the body's own steroid production when it is taken over a prolonged period. Do not wait for symptoms to appear — go to the nearest emergency department and take the pack or strip with you.

Side effects of Neosporin H Ointment

Most side effects of Neosporin H are mild and settle as the body adjusts. Reported side effects include:

• Burning or stinging
• Itching
• Redness
• Dryness
• Nausea
• Metallic taste
• Loose motions
• Stomach pain
• Headache
• Increased appetite and weight gain
• Raised blood sugar
• Difficulty sleeping
• Mood change
• Indigestion
• Fluid retention

Stop the medicine and seek help immediately for a rash, swelling of the face or lips, wheezing or difficulty breathing. Tell your doctor about any side effect that persists or worries you.

Safety advice for Neosporin H Ointment

Warnings and precautions

Use it for the short course prescribed, usually about a week. Prolonged use of a topical antibiotic breeds resistant bacteria. See a doctor if the area becomes more red, swollen, painful or spreads, or if you develop a fever — a spreading skin infection needs tablets. Clean the area gently before each application. Do not use it on large raw areas or burns unless your doctor has said to. Finish the whole course even after you feel better. Do not drink any alcohol while taking metronidazole, ornidazole or tinidazole, or for the period after the course that your doctor states — the combination causes severe flushing, vomiting and a racing heart. Report severe or watery loose motions during or after the course rather than treating them yourself. Tetracyclines stain developing teeth and are avoided in young children and in pregnancy. Antibiotics do not work against colds, flu or most sore throats, which are caused by viruses. Never stop a course of more than a few days suddenly. Your body stops making its own steroid while you take these, and abrupt withdrawal can cause a dangerous collapse. Your doctor will taper the dose. Tell any doctor treating you that you take steroids, and say so urgently if you develop a serious infection, injury or need surgery — you may need a higher dose to cope. Steroids raise blood sugar. If you have diabetes, monitor it more closely during a course. Long-term use thins bones, raises the risk of infection, cataract and glaucoma. Your doctor will monitor and may add bone protection. Chickenpox and measles can be severe in people on steroids — seek advice promptly after any contact.

Do not take Neosporin H if

Not for anyone with a known allergy to this medicine or to any ingredient in the pack. Not for use in or around the eyes. Not for people with an untreated systemic infection, except where the steroid is part of the treatment.

Interactions with other medicines

No significant interactions are expected from preparations used on the skin. Antacids, iron, zinc and calcium reduce the absorption of tetracyclines — separate them by a couple of hours. Tell your doctor if you take a blood thinner. Anti-inflammatory painkillers together with steroids markedly raise the risk of stomach bleeding. Live vaccines are generally avoided during significant steroid treatment.

How to store Neosporin H Ointment

Store below 30°C, away from direct sunlight. Close the cap tightly after each use. Keep out of the reach of children.

Expert advice for Neosporin H Ointment

Wash your hands before and after applying, and cover the area if advised. Do not share towels or bedding while an infection is active. Space the doses evenly and complete the course. Take tetracyclines with a full glass of water and stay upright for half an hour afterwards. Never use a leftover antibiotic, or someone else's, for a new illness. Take the whole daily dose in the morning with food, unless your doctor directs otherwise — this suits the body's own rhythm and helps you sleep. Carry a steroid card or note if you are on a long course. Watch your salt, sugar and weight during the course.

Manufacturer and class

Manufacturer:

GLAXO SMITHKLINE PHARMA

Therapeutic class:

Topical antibiotic, Antibiotic and Corticosteroid

Drug class:

Topical antibacterial, Antibacterial agent and Systemic corticosteroid