Antibiotic development is recognized as one of the most glorious accomplishments in the realm of health research.
Deaths caused by bacterial complications have been progressively decreasing in the years after the first antibiotic was discovered.
Scientists and researchers are constantly on the lookout for better, safer medicines.
Hence this article the differences between the two leading antibiotic medicines, Neosporin and Polysporin.
This article will highlight all the features, aspects, and differences between both medicines.
Key Takeaways
- Neosporin contains three antibiotics (neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin), while Polysporin has only two (polymyxin B and bacitracin).
- Neosporin can cause allergic reactions in some individuals due to neomycin, making Polysporin a safer option for those with allergies.
- Both ointments effectively prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns.
Neosporin vs Polysporin
Neosporin is recommended for treating minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. Polysporin is recommended for preventing and treating minor skin infections, such as those caused by cuts, scrapes, etc. Neosporin contains neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin. Polysporin contains polymyxin B and bacitracin.
Neosporin is a drug used to avoid and cure minor skin infections caused by minor wounds, scratches, or blisters. It is accessible for self-medication without even a certification or prescription.
This item should not be applied to large portions of the body.
A doctor’s guidance is always recommended when using this product for severe skin wounds or infections like burning cases or surgeries.
These sorts of diseases may necessitate a different therapy. This medicine comprises the antibiotics neomycin, bacitracin, and polymyxin, which function by inhibiting bacterial growth.
This drug solely prevents and cures bacterial skin infections.
This drug is used for the treatment of skin problems. This medicine comprises the antibiotics neomycin as well as polymyxin, which function by inhibiting bacterial growth.
It also includes hydrocortisone, a corticosteroid that acts to reduce swelling and irritation. This drug is solely used to control bacterial skin infections and acts swiftly on burning wounds.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Neosporin | Polysporin |
|---|---|---|
| Constituents | Neomycin, Polymyxin B, and Bacitracin. There are many anti-inflammatory agents as well to soothe the pain and inflammation on the skin. | Polysporin has only two: Polymyxin B and Bacitracin. Antibacterial ointment that aids in the prevention of skin problems. |
| Forms | Ointment, cream and foam. Some companies also sell the spray form of neosporin. | Ointment and cream only. |
| Speed of Healing | Faster than polysporin. It is available over-the-counter. | It is a slow medicine however, it justifies its low-cost and durability. |
| Ideal For | Skin bruises, cuts and wounds. | Burning cases, heavy usage would not cause irritation however, a doctor’s advice is recommended. |
| Downsides | Not recommended for burnt skin or very deep cuts. | Skin rashes on sensitive skins can occur. It is not good for bug-bites. |
What is Neosporin?
Neosporin Ointment is a dermatological drug classified as an “antibiotic” mainly used to treat common skin problems.
Neosporin Cream is a first-aid antibacterial medication used to avoid infection in small skin wounds, scratches, or wounds.
Neosporin Ointment eye compositions successfully treat infectious diseases of the outward part of the eye, including conjunctivitis (inflammatory condition of the eye’s mucosal surface (conjunctiva), corneal scarring (inflammatory response of the cornea due to some injury), keratoconjunctivitis (irritation of the conjunctiva as well as the cornea), blepharitis (irritation on the inner part of the eyelids), and blepharoconjunctivitis.
Staph infection happens when dangerous bacteria multiply in the body and can cause sickness.
Neosporin comes in a range of compositions. One of the most popular types of Neosporin includes three medications and is also known as “triple-antibacterial ointment”.
It includes bacitracin, polymyxin B, and neomycin and comes in various trademark and inexpensive ointments, sprays, creams, and foams.
Neosporin has also been marketed as Neosporin + Pain Reliever Ointment, which is loaded with anti-inflammatory substances like mint and Neosporin + Pain Ache Scar Ointment, which includes the three medications as well as pramoxine, a topical anaesthetic.
What is Polysporin?
Polysporin is a topical microbiological drug that operates in the same way as Neosporin. As a result, it serves to maintain gaping sores from becoming infected and accelerates wound healing.
The only difference is in the active chemicals utilized. It comprises Bacitracin as well as Polymyxin B. It is used as a substitute for persons who are allergic to neomycin.
This medicine treats acute microbial skin infections and lowers the risk of infection after minor skin injuries. There are two antibiotics in it: polymyxin B and bacitracin.
It is solely for external usage and should not be consumed since it causes renal harm.
Polysporin (bacitracin and polymyxin) is accessible both over the counter and as a pharmaceutically prescribed medicine.
It aids in the prevention of skin problems in, minor wounds, scratches, or burn injuries. It is simple to use and has few adverse effects.
This lotion is intended for small injuries that are not difficult, such as minor burns, scratches, and cuts. Neither treatment is powerful enough to treat severe or systemic skin disease.
Deep wounds may need further care, such as sutures, oral antibiotics, or immunizations against illnesses like tetanus.
Main Differences Between Neosporin and Polysporin
- Neosporin contains neomycin, whereas polysporin is a deficit of neomycin.
- Neosporin can cause allergies hence, polysporin is used instead as it is not allergic in nature.
- Neosporin is costlier than polysporin.
- Neosporin acts and heals faster than polysporin antibiotic ointment.
- Neosporin is available in foam texture, whereas polysporin is only available as a topical ointment.
- https://www.rxlist.com/fdb/drugs/633/polysporin-brand.htm
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-15796/polysporin-topical/details
Last Updated : 13 July, 2023
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.
I found the article extremely helpful and well-researched. The information was very educational.
The article was informative and well-explained. It serves well for everyone, from those who don’t know anything to those who want to deepen their knowledge.
The article was very informative and explained the differences between Neosporin and Polysporin very clearly.
Very disappointing and not useful at all. There are many unaddressed aspects regarding Neosporin and Polysporin. The article is highly biased.
As a professional in the area, I found the article overly simplistic. There are many other details that could be included in this comparison.
Very well written article. I learned a lot about the differences between Neosporin and Polysporin.