Drug Reference

polymyxin B

Polymyxins

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OTC

Fact box

Therapeutic class
Polymyxins
Action class
Polymyxin-class Antibacterial
Habit forming
No
Availability
Over-the-counter (OTC)

Brand names

Bactine AntibioticCortisporinCuadridermaLanabioticMaxitrolMycitracin Plus Pain RelieverNeo-PolycinNeo-Polycin HCOticin HCPoly-DexPolycinPolysporinSpectrocin PlusSurolanTri Biozene

Available as

0.4 UNT/MG · Topical Ointment0.4 UNT/MG · Ophthalmic Ointment0.5 UNT/MG · Topical Ointment3.5 MG/ML · Topical Cream5 MG/ML · Topical Cream10 MG/ML250000 UNT/ML · Injectable Solution10 MG/ML · Ophthalmic Suspension10000 UNT/ML · Ophthalmic Solution400 UNT/ML · Topical Cream0.5 UNT/MG · Ophthalmic Ointment0.5 UNT/MG · Powder0.001 MG/MG · Ophthalmic Ointment1 MG/ML · Ophthalmic Suspension0.025 MG/ML · Ophthalmic Solution3.5 MG/ML · Ophthalmic Suspension0.005 MG/MG · Ophthalmic Ointment40 MG/ML23 MG/ML

FDA label sections are from openFDA and may not reflect the most recent labeling — confirm against the current DailyMed label.

Uses
Uses First aid to help prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes and burns
How to use / dosing
Directions Clean the affected area Apply a small amount of this product (an amount equal to the surface area of the tip of a finger) on the area 1 to 3 times daily May be covered with a sterile bandage.

Safety advice

Conservative summary derived from FDA labeling — defaults to “consult your doctor” unless the label is explicit. Not a substitute for your clinician’s advice.

PregnancyNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
BreastfeedingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label. Check LactMed →
AlcoholNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
DrivingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
KidneyNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
LiverNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
Warnings & precautions
Warnings For external use only.
Current FDA labels (DailyMed)

48 marketed products on record (RxNorm)

Authoritative sources

Reference only — not clinical advice. Verify against current FDA labeling and consult a licensed provider. About half of pediatric drug use is off-label and is not reflected in FDA labels; absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children.