What is the difference between Neosporin and Polysporin?

Antibiotic meds are drugs administered to stop the spread of infections caused by bacteria. These drugs may however have no capabilities to manage/treat fungal or viral infections. However, signs of infections can often be misleading; for instance, microbial attacks are known to manifest through almost the same symptoms. It becomes a key thing to know when to use antibiotics. In this light, what is the difference between antibiotic meds Neosporin and polysporin? It is a wise thing to know the differences between these two meds.

Antibiotic drugs are commonly administered to treat a range of infectious conditions like skin conditions, infections in the eyes or in the gastric tract – to name a few. Needful assistance must be taken to know the cause of infections. This is mainly because – those who administered antibiotics to fungal infections may make microbial strands drug-resistant. Once microbes turn resistant, they may know how to dodge the key chemicals used in antibiotic meds.

What is Neosporin?

This drug helps prevent bacteria from producing proteins. Without proteins, microbial strands tend to perish. This med is used for treating minor burns, scrapes and/or cuts. The typical dose is a tiny amount (often taken at the tip of a finger); it is applied twice or thrice per day. This drug is widely used and is also tolerated well. In some remote cases, users have witnessed formation of rashes, hives or itchiness. In such cases, it becomes essential to talk to your treating physician without much delay.

What is polysporin?

This med also slows down the growth of infection-causing bacteria. It is commonly prescribed for the treatment of minor wounds and milder infections on the skin. Though milder forms of cuts or infections may get cured on their own, polysporin is known to hasten the healing process. However, never use this drug is larger quantity (i.e., than what is prescribed). Using added quantity of this med may not catalyse curing activity; instead, it may lead to counterproductive effects.

What is the difference between Neosporin and Polysporin?

Polysporin has polymyxin B sulfate and bacitracin zinc. The name “polysporin” refers to a brand name that contains these aforesaid two (2) chemicals. On the other hand, Neosporin has neomycin sulfate, polymyxin B sulfate as well as bacitracin zinc. Like polysporin, “Neosporin” is also a brand name of the med that has the above three (3) key ingredients.

In essence, Neosporin has neomycin sulfate; this is apparently not present in polysporin. However, both these meds fall under the genre of antibiotics; these are widely used for treating infections. They are available in multiple forms namely, as a cream or an eye drop.

Needful precautions while using either of these meds

A few topical forms of antibiotics may cause burning feeling on the skin, irritation and itchiness. If you experience any of the abovementioned signs, you are advised to consult with your treating doctor immediately. Residents of US must call 911 or dial helplines run by the drug-authorising agency – the food and drug administration (FDA). Canadian residents should dial Health Canada or take needful medical support from a poison control unit on an emergency mode.

Microbial strands – such as bacteria – evolve on a continuous basis. Hence, you will need the supervision and guidance of a qualified clinical professional or a healthcare practitioner to infer the nature of the underlying infection. It is only after knowing the cause a suitable mediation plan is prescribed. Owing to this, your caregiving team will seek information about the symptoms of your infection, clinical track record/family’s medical history and presence of any already-existing medical conditions, if any. Last but not the least, you are advised to use either of these antibiotic meds – i.e., Neosporin and polysporin – under the care of caregiving professional.

Disclaimer

Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.

Jessica Martinez

Education: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from New York University. Experience: 5 years of experience writing for physiotherapy and sports medicine blogs, providing expert insights on injury prevention and rehabilitation.