Side Effects of Cortisporin (neomycin, bacitracin, and polymyxin)

Cortisporin Cream (neomycin, bacitracin, and polymyxin) is a topical antibiotic cream used to treat bacterial skin infections that works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

It also contains an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid that works by reducing swelling and itching. Cortisporin Cream treats only bacterial skin infections. It will not work for other types of skin infections (e.g., infections caused by fungi, viruses). 

Common side effects of Cortisporin Cream include

• burning,
• redness,
• irritation, and
• dryness of the skin. 

Serious side effects of Cortisporin Cream include

• stretch marks,
• skin thinning/discoloration,
• acne, extreme/unwanted hair growth,
• "hair bumps" (folliculitis), and rarely,
• other types of skin infections (e.g., fungal or other bacterial infections).

Drug interactions of Cortisporin Cream include aminoglycoside antibiotics and corticosteroids taken by mouth.

During pregnancy, Cortisporin Cream should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if Cortisporin Cream passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Side effects of neomycin sulfate/polymyxin B sulfate/ hydrocortisone acetate are:

• hypersensitivity,
• itching,
• redness,
• swelling, and
• skin rash.

• Neomycin occasionally causes skin sensitization. Ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity have also been reported.
• Adverse reactions have occurred with topical use of antibiotic combinations including neomycin and polymyxin B.
• Exact incidence figures are not available since no denominator of treated patients is available.
• The reaction occurring most often is allergic sensitization.
• In one clinical study, using a 20% neomycin patch, neomycin-induced allergic skin reactions occurred in two of 2,175 (0.09%) individuals in the general population.
• In another study, the incidence was found to be approximately 1%.
• The following local adverse reactions have been reported with topical corticosteroids, especially under occlusive dressings: burning, itching, irritation, dryness, folliculitis, hypertrichosis, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, maceration of the skin, secondary infection, skin atrophy, striae, and miliaria.
• When steroid preparations are used for long periods of time in intertriginous areas or over extensive body areas, with or without occlusive non-permeable dressings, striae may occur; also there exists the possibility of systemic side effects when steroid preparations are used over large areas or for a long period of time.

No information provided.