Version July 2025
Infection, prevention: Infants, Children, and Adolescents: Topical ointment: Apply to the affected area 1 to 3 times daily; may cover with sterile bandage if needed
(For additional information see "Bacitracin and polymyxin B (topical): Drug information")
Topical infection, prevention: Topical: Apply a small amount to the affected area 1 to 3 times daily.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling. However, dosage adjustment unlikely due to low systemic absorption.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling. However, dosage adjustment unlikely due to low systemic absorption.
See individual agents.
OTC labeling: When used for self-medication, do not use if hypersensitive to bacitracin, polymyxin B, or any component of the formulation.
Concerns related to adverse effects:
• Anaphylaxis: Use with caution in patients who have been previously exposed to bacitracin; anaphylactic reactions have occurred on repeat exposure (Elsner 1990; Farley 1995).
Other warnings/precautions:
• Self-medication (OTC use): When used for self-medication (OTC), do not use in the eyes, over large areas of the body, or for longer than 1 week unless directed by health care provider. Discontinue use and notify health care provider prior to use for deep puncture wounds, bites, or serious burns, if condition persists or worsens, or if rash or other allergic reaction occurs.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. [DSC] = Discontinued product
Ointment, External:
Double Antibiotic: Bacitracin 500 units and polymyxin B 10,000 units per g (1 ea [DSC], 14.17 g [DSC], 14.2 g, 28.35 g [DSC], 28.4 g)
FT Double Antibiotic: Bacitracin 500 units and polymyxin B 10,000 units per g (28.4 g)
Polysporin: Bacitracin 500 units and polymyxin B 10,000 units per g (1 ea, 14.2 g, 28.3 g)
Yes
Ointment (Polysporin External)
500-10000 units/g (per gram): $0.42
500-10000 units/g (per each): $0.26
Disclaimer: A representative AWP (Average Wholesale Price) price or price range is provided as reference price only. A range is provided when more than one manufacturer's AWP price is available and uses the low and high price reported by the manufacturers to determine the range. The pricing data should be used for benchmarking purposes only, and as such should not be used alone to set or adjudicate any prices for reimbursement or purchasing functions or considered to be an exact price for a single product and/or manufacturer. Medi-Span expressly disclaims all warranties of any kind or nature, whether express or implied, and assumes no liability with respect to accuracy of price or price range data published in its solutions. In no event shall Medi-Span be liable for special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from use of price or price range data. Pricing data is updated monthly.
Topical: Cleanse affected area before application. Apply a small amount of product (an amount equal to the surface area of the tip of a finger); may be covered by a sterile bandage if necessary. Do not use topical ointment in the eyes or over large areas of the body; avoid contact of tube tip with skin.
Topical: For topical use only; do not use in the eyes or over large areas of the body. Clean affected area prior to application. Apply a small amount of product (an amount equal to the surface area of the tip of a finger); may cover with sterile bandage.
Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).
Prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns (OTC product: Approval ages not specified)
Refer to individual components.
Note: Interacting drugs may not be individually listed below if they are part of a group interaction (eg, individual drugs within “CYP3A4 Inducers [Strong]” are NOT listed). For a complete list of drug interactions by individual drug name and detailed management recommendations, use the drug interactions program
There are no known significant interactions.
Refer to individual monographs.
See individual agents.
See individual agents.
Absorption: Insignificant from intact skin or mucous membrane
