"Neosporin" (ointment): instructions for use, analogues, reviews

Perhaps, each of us at least once in my life suffered with the appearance of inflammation, cuts or bites of insects on the skin. Some of these injuries do not pose any danger, and therefore do not require serious treatment. However, deep wounds on the skin can become foul, which will lead to unpleasant complications. In order to prevent the appearance of abscesses, it is necessary to use "Neosporin" (ointment). Instruction, analogues, reviews of this drug will be discussed in detail in our article.

Composition and form of release

Ointment is produced by the American pharmaceutical company Johnson & Johnson. The drug is sold in small plastic tubes with a volume of 14 or 28 g. To ensure that they are not damaged during transportation, they are additionally packed in cardboard boxes. In pharmacies, ointment is dispensed without a doctor's prescription.

The reason for such a high effectiveness of the drug is its composition, which includes 3 antibiotics at once. Let's consider them in more detail:

• Neomycin is an antibiotic that is able to actively penetrate bacteria membranes, stopping their synthesis. As a result, microbes lose their ability to reproduce and quickly die.
• Polymyxin belongs to the group of antibiotics, which exert a strong bactericidal action. They perfectly break the integrity of the membrane of the microbial cells, but they have strong toxicity, so they are most often used externally.
• Bacitracin is an antibiotic that enhances the action of neomycin. It is an active antibacterial component of the ointment, significantly reduces the synthesis of substances in the microbial cell. With his help, wounds heal much faster. With its use, a small anesthetic effect is noticeable.

Auxiliary components in the preparation "Neosporin" (ointment) instruction refers to olive, cottonseed oil, as well as tocopherol acetate (aka vitamin E) and sodium pyruvirate. They help to soften the skin, moisturizing it, which speeds up the wound healing process and reduces the likelihood of future scars or scars.

Indications for use

This drug is an active drug with a strong antibacterial effect. As a rule, it is used to treat wounds, cuts or acne on the skin. The product performs antiseptic actions, therefore, with regular application of the ointment, the regeneration process is accelerated, unpleasant sensations are eliminated. Doctors recommend the use of the neosporin ointment:

• When the skin is affected by bacterial infections, for example, folliculitis, hydradenitis, and the appearance of purulent furuncles and carbuncles;
• With acne on the face, as well as the strong scars and scars that remain after it;
• With deep cuts, abrasions and open wounds to avoid the appearance of infection;
• With secondary infection of the skin, for example, due to a severe allergic reaction;
• With any scratches, cuts and insect bites to prevent their infection;
• When acne is uncovered, wounds and burns, the ointment is applied to quickly destroy the infection inside them.

How correctly to use ointment?

Since the ointment contains several strong antibiotics at once, consult with your doctor before using it. You can use the drug only externally, avoiding getting the drug on the mucous membranes, and especially in the eyes. Before use, the skin should be thoroughly cleaned or treated with a disinfectant, for example, hydrogen peroxide or "chlorhexidine". With light massaging movements, the ointment is applied to the affected area with a thin layer. Cover it with a bandage after that is not recommended. It is better to spend some time alone and wait until it absorbs into the skin.

The drug "Neosporin" (ointment) instruction does not recommend using too often. The effect of this will not increase. Typically, between the application of the drug should take 12 hours. Depending on the severity of the skin lesion, the doctor can increase or decrease the time between the procedure. Apply the ointment before the full healing of the wound. If within a week there is no noticeable effect from its use, you should contact a specialist to adjust the course of treatment or change the drug.

Contraindications

Due to the presence of strong antibiotics ointment does not suit all patients. So, the drug should be taken with caution in the treatment of animal bites, deep stab wounds and severe burns. In this case, before using the product, you need to consult a doctor. Do not apply this medicine to large areas of the affected skin to prevent possible overdose. When there is an allergic reaction when applying ointment to the skin, its use must be stopped. Children younger than 1 year of use of the drug is contraindicated.

Pregnant and lactating women, the drug "Neosporin" (ointment) instruction recommends taking only under the supervision of a doctor. It is prescribed when the benefits of its administration exceed the possible risks for the child or fetus. Otherwise, more gentle means are appointed. The drug should not be taken orally. If you get a lot of ointment in the esophagus, you should immediately rinse your stomach and consult a doctor. If the ointment is in the eyes, they must be rinsed quickly with warm water.

Possible side effects

What does it say about the appearance of side effects when taking the drug "Neosporin" (ointment) instruction? Concomitant symptoms are rare. Most often, patients complain of the appearance of unpleasant allergic reactions to the skin (rash or itching), which usually go away if you stop applying the ointment. When using "Neosporin" there is an extremely low probability of difficulty breathing and swallowing. It is necessary to stop taking the ointment and consult a doctor if the symptoms do not go away. Patients also note that after stopping the regular application of the drug, the skin begins to dry strongly. When applying medicine on the face, reddening of the eyes, the appearance of swelling near them and the increase of tearing may occur.

Consequences of an overdose

Since the drug is used externally, it is practically not absorbed into the blood. Because of this, an overdose happens extremely rarely. Using the ointment "Neosporin" from a boil, a severe burn or a deep wound, do not apply it in a thick layer, so as not to cause complications. Serious consequences, as a rule, can be seen only with prolonged and constant overdose. If it seems to you that your condition worsens, stop using the product and consult a doctor.

"Neosporin" (ointment): analogues

There are several drugs, whose composition is almost identical to the composition of this American remedy. They are used for similar diseases, but contraindications, side effects and the way of application may vary. If you want to replace a medicine, first consult with your doctor.

"Neosporin" has the following analogues:

• "Polysporin".
• "Neomycin".
• Bacitracin.

Ointment "Polysporin"

As a rule, there is no such preparation, the composition of which would completely coincide with the medicine "Neosporin" (ointment). The instruction of analogues, of course, also does not call. "Polysporin" is an antibacterial agent. However, it consists only of polymeksin and bacitracin. Almost completely coincide in them and side effects. It is not recommended to take this ointment for pregnant women. In addition, buy this ointment in Russia is also difficult, like "Nesporin," so it can hardly be called an affordable alternative.

Ointment "Bacitracin"

It is much easier to find in Russia ointment "Bacitracin". Already by name it is clear that it contains the eponymous antibiotic, but neomycin is also added to it. Produce this remedy in Switzerland. The drug is sold in the form of an ointment or powder, which makes it much cheaper than its counterparts. With prolonged use of "Bacitracin" there is no addiction to its components, and accordingly its effectiveness does not decrease. Like the above, it can cause local allergic reactions when used.

Ointment "Neosporin": reviews

"Neosporin" is an inexpensive but effective remedy, which makes it popular in patients. It has been produced for 40 years already, that is, it is a proven drug that has a minimal amount of contraindications and side effects. Users on the network actively share their experience of using this medication. More often reviews about him are positive. Let us list first its merits:

• Convenient small packaging, which allows you to wear preparations in your bag daily;
• A small expenditure of the ointment (therefore one tuba lasts for a long time);
• It helps with cat scratches, so it is especially recommended to buy ointment for pet owners;
• Ointment not only disinfects, but also pleasantly cools and anesthetizes the skin.

Without negative feedback, unfortunately, there were some. This drug has the following drawbacks:

• Ointment is practically not absorbed into the skin, leaving on it a greasy, unpleasant to the touch film, which can stain clothes;
• Low effectiveness of the drug when used against acne;
• The medicine does not have a quick healing effect to see the result, you need to use it for at least a week;
• High cost of the drug - the price for a small tube varies from 600-1000 rubles, which is much more expensive than similar ointments of domestic manufacturers;
• Inaccessibility - ointment is practically not found in pharmacies, so you have to order it through online stores.

Thus, effective, but difficult to access and expensive can be called "Neosporin" (ointment). Instruction, reviews and analogues of the drug are the most common questions that concern patients suffering from skin lesions. This imported ointment has practically no contraindications. Nevertheless, you should consult a dermatologist before buying it.