Each of us has at least once in a lifetime suffered from inflammation, cuts or insect bites on our skin. Some of these injuries do not carry any danger, and therefore do not require serious treatment. However, deep wounds on the skin can fester, leading to unpleasant complications. In order to prevent the appearance of abscesses, it is necessary to use "Neosporin" (ointment). Instructions, analogues, reviews of this drug will be discussed in detail in our article.
Composition and form of release
The 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. So that they do not suffer 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 immediately includes 3 antibiotics. Let's consider them in more detail:
- Neomycin is an antibiotic that is able to actively penetrate the membranes of bacteria, stopping their synthesis. As a result, microbes lose their ability to reproduce and die quickly.
- Polymyxin belongs to the group of antibiotics that have a strong bactericidal effect. They perfectly violate the integrity of the membrane of the microbial cell, but at the same time they have strong toxicity, therefore 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 it, wounds heal much faster. When using it, a slight analgesic effect is noticeable.
The auxiliary components in the composition of the drug "Neosporin" (ointment) are called olive oil, cottonseed oil, as well as tocopherol acetate (also called vitamin E) and sodium pyruvira. They help soften the skin by moisturizing it, which speeds up the healing process of the wound 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 blackheads on the skin. The tool carries out antiseptic actions, so with regular application of the ointment, the regeneration process accelerates, unpleasant sensations are eliminated. Doctors recommend the use of Neosporin ointment:
- with damage to the skin by bacterial infections, for example, folliculitis, hydradenitis, as well as the appearance of purulent boils and carbuncles;
- with acne on the face, as well as strong scars and scars remaining after it;
- with deep cuts, abrasions and open wounds to avoid infection;
- with secondary infection of the skin, for example, due to a strong allergic reaction;
- with any scratches, cuts and bites of insects to prevent their infection;
- with opened acne, wounds and burns, the ointment is applied to quickly destroy the infection inside them.
How to use ointment?
Since the ointment contains several strong antibiotics in its composition, be sure to consult your doctor before using it. You can use the drug only externally, avoiding the product on the mucous membranes, and especially in the eyes. Before use, the skin must be thoroughly cleaned or treated with a disinfectant, such as hydrogen peroxide or Chlorhexidine. With light massaging movements, the ointment is applied to the affected area with a thin layer. Covering with a bandage after this is not recommended. It is better to spend some time alone and wait until it is absorbed into the skin.
The drug "Neosporin" (ointment) instruction does not recommend use too often. The effect of this will not increase. As a rule, 12 hours should elapse between applications. Depending on the severity of the skin lesion, the doctor may increase or decrease the time between treatments. Apply the ointment until the wound is completely healed. If within a week a tangible effect of its use is not noticeable, you should consult a specialist to adjust the course of treatment or replace the drug.
Contraindications
Due to the presence of strong antibiotics, the ointment is not suitable for all patients. So, the drug should be taken with caution in the treatment of animal bites, deep puncture wounds and serious burns. In this case, before using the product, you need to consult a doctor. Do not apply this medicine on large areas of affected skin to prevent a possible overdose. If an allergic reaction occurs when applying the ointment to the skin, its use must be discontinued. For children under 1 year of age, the use of the drug is contraindicated.
For pregnant and lactating women, the drug "Neosporin" (ointment), the instruction recommends taking only under the supervision of a doctor. She is prescribed when the benefits of her intake exceed the possible risks to the child or fetus. Otherwise, more gentle means are prescribed. The drug can not be taken orally. If a large amount of ointment enters the esophagus, immediately rinse the stomach and consult a doctor. If the ointment gets into the eyes, they must be washed quickly with warm water.
Feasible side effects
What indicates the occurrence of side effects when taking the drug "Neosporin" (ointment) instruction? Concomitant symptoms occur quite rarely. 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 likelihood of difficulty breathing and swallowing. You need to stop taking the ointment and consult a doctor if the symptoms persist. Patients also note that after the cessation of regular application of the drug, the skin begins to dry significantly. When applying the medicine on the face, redness of the eyes, the appearance of swelling near them and increased 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 is extremely rare. Using ointment "Neosporin" from a boil, severe burn or deep wound, do not apply it with a thick layer, so as not to cause complications. Serious consequences, as a rule, are noticeable only with prolonged and constant overdose. If you think that your condition is getting worse, 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, however, contraindications, side effects and method of application may vary. If you want to replace the medicine, then first consult with your doctor.
Neosporin has the following analogues:
- Polysporin.
- Neomycin.
- "Bacitracin."
Ointment "Polisporin"
As a rule, there is no such drug whose composition would completely coincide with the Neosporin medicine (ointment). Instructions analogues, of course, also does not name. "Polysporin" is an antibacterial agent. However, it consists only of polymexins and bacitracin. Side effects almost completely coincide in them. It is not recommended to take this ointment for pregnant women. In addition, buying this ointment in Russia is as difficult as Neosporin, so it can hardly be called an affordable alternative.
Ointment "Bacitracin"
It is much easier to find Bacitracin ointment in Russia. Already by the name it is clear that it contains the antibiotic of the same name, but neomycin is also added to it. Produce this tool in Switzerland. The drug is sold in the form of 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 remedies, it can cause local allergic reactions when used.
Ointment "Neosporin": reviews
Neosporin is an inexpensive but effective remedy that makes it popular with patients. It has been produced for over 40 years, that is, it is a proven drug that has a minimal number of contraindications and side effects. Users on the network are actively sharing their experience using this medication. More often reviews about him are positive. We list first its advantages:
- convenient small package that allows you to carry the drug with you in a bag daily;
- low consumption of ointment (therefore, one tube is enough for a long time);
- It helps with cat scratches, so it is especially recommended to purchase ointment for pet owners;
- the ointment not only disinfects, but also pleasantly cools and anesthetizes the skin.
Unfortunately, there were some negative reviews as well. This drug has the following disadvantages:
- the ointment is practically not absorbed into the skin, leaving a greasy, unpleasant to the touch film on it, which can stain clothes;
- low effectiveness of the drug when used against acne;
- the medicine does not have a quick healing effect, in order to see the result, you need to use it for at least a week;
- the 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 almost never found in pharmacies, so you have to order it through online stores.
Thus, neosporin (ointment) can be called effective, but inaccessible and expensive. Instructions, 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.