- Does Cortisporin (neomycin, bacitracin, and polymyxin) cause side effects?
- What are the important side effects of Cortisporin (neomycin, bacitracin, and polymyxin)?
- Cortisporin (neomycin, bacitracin, and polymyxin) side effects list for healthcare professionals
- What drugs interact with Cortisporin (neomycin, bacitracin, and polymyxin)?
Does Cortisporin (neomycin, bacitracin, and polymyxin) cause side effects?
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.
Cortisporin (neomycin, bacitracin, and polymyxin) side effects list for healthcare professionals
- 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.
Summary
Cortisporin (neomycin, bacitracin, and polymyxin) is a topical antibiotic cream used to treat bacterial skin infections that works by stopping the growth of bacteria. Common side effects of Cortisporin Cream include burning, redness, irritation, and dryness of the skin. During pregnancy, Cortisporin Cream should be used only when clearly needed. It is unknown if Cortisporin Cream passes into breast milk.
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
-
Skin Infections: Types, Causes, and Symptoms
Viruses, bacteria, and fungi can all cause skin infections. What is scabies? Learn about golden staph infections, cellulitis,...
-
Fungal Skin Infections: Types, Symptoms, and Treatment
Fungal skin infections and fungal nail infections produce symptoms like red, itchy, circular rashes and thick, discolored, flaky...
-
Skin Diseases: 15 Uncommon Skin Conditions
Genetic illnesses, health conditions, or infections cause your skin to react in unusual ways. Learn about these conditions and...
-
Skin Problems and Treatments: Surprising Reasons You're Itchy
Find out some unexpected causes of your itchiness, such as thyroid problems, cancer treatments, pregnancy, diabetes, and more.
-
Skin Conditions Quiz: Common Skin Diseases
Could you identify a scabies infestation? Take the Skin Diseases Pictures Quiz and learn to identify common conditions that...
-
Skin Quiz: Acne, Dry Skin, Dandruff & More
What's that all over you? Skin, of course! Test your knowledge of your most amazing organ with the Skin Quiz!
-
Skin Health: 15 Tips for Clear Skin
Acne, pimples, zits and blemishes often appear on the face, back, chest, neck, and shoulders where skin has the most amount of...
-
Skin Problems: A Visual Guide to Cysts
These small sacs filled with fluid, tissue, hair, or dead skin can form almost anywhere on your body. Find out more about why...
Treatment & Diagnosis
Medications & Supplements

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Professional side effects and drug interactions sections courtesy of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.