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Neosporin vs Cortisporin
Introduction
For patients with minor skin injuries or infections, certain topical medications that contain antibiotic properties can aid in preventing bacterial growth and promoting healing. Neosporin and Cortisporin are two such ointments that are commonly used for treating minor cuts, scrapes, or burns. They each possess different active ingredients but both aim to prevent infection and expedite the healing process. Neosporin is a triple-antibiotic ointment consisting of neomycin sulfate, polymyxin B sulfate, and bacitracin zinc; it primarily works by impeding bacterial growth on the wound site. Cortisporin, on the other hand, is a combination medication containing an antibiotic (neomycin), an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid (hydrocortisone), and an antifungal (nystatin). It not only prevents bacterial growth but also reduces inflammation and treats fungal infections if present.
Neosporin vs Cortisporin Side By Side
| Attribute | Neosporin | Cortisporin |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Name | Neosporin | Cortisporin |
| Contraindications | Allergic to neomycin, polymyxin B, or bacitracin. Prolonged use can lead to growth of resistant organisms. | Allergic to neomycin, polymyxin B, hydrocortisone, or any component of the formulation. Prolonged use can lead to growth of resistant organisms. |
| Cost | $7-$10 for a 1 oz tube | $150-$200 for a 15 gram tube |
| Generic Name | bacitracin/polymyxin B/neomycin | hydrocortisone/neomycin/polymyxin B |
| Most Serious Side Effect | Signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat | Allergic reactions: hives, itching, swelling of your face or throat, difficulty breathing, and severe rashes |
| Severe Drug Interactions | Not specified in the article | Not specified in the article |
| Typical Dose | Apply a small amount to the affected area 1–3 times per day | Apply a small amount of the ointment to the affected area 3 or 4 times daily, can be increased to every 2 hours depending on severity |
What is Neosporin?
Neosporin, an over-the-counter (OTC) topical antibiotic ointment, was a significant development in wound care. This triple-antibiotic ointment contains bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B which work together to prevent infection and aid in the healing of minor cuts, scrapes, and burns by stopping the growth of bacteria.
On the other hand, Cortisporin is a combination medicine that includes a corticosteroid (hydrocortisone) along with two antibiotics (neomycin and polymyxin B). It not only prevents bacterial infections but also reduces inflammation associated with skin conditions due to its corticosteroid component. Unlike Neosporin that can be bought without prescription, Cortisporin is available only through doctor's prescription because it has more potent effects on certain skin conditions due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
While both help to prevent infection from small wounds or minor skin irritations caused by bacteria present on our bodies' surface or environment around us; their function differs slightly based on additional benefits of reducing inflammation provided by Cortisporin thanks to inclusion of hydrocortisone - something absent in Neosporin formulation.
What conditions is Neosporin approved to treat?
Neosporin and Cortisporin are both approved for treatment of minor skin infections, but they have some different uses:
- Neosporin is commonly used to prevent bacterial infections in minor cuts, scrapes or burns.
- Cortisporin, on the other hand, is not only effective against bacteria but also reduces inflammation and itching. It's typically recommended for external ear infections (otitis externa) as well as certain skin conditions when a combination medication with anti-inflammatory benefits is needed.
How does Neosporin help with these illnesses?
Neosporin is designed to prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns by inhibiting the growth of bacteria. It accomplishes this through a combination of three antibiotics: bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B. Each antibiotic works by interfering with the bacteria's ability to maintain its cell wall or perform vital functions.
Cortisporin goes a step further than Neosporin because it also contains hydrocortisone, which is an anti-inflammatory steroid that can reduce inflammation and relieve itching. This makes Cortisporin more suitable for treating conditions where skin irritation or inflammation is present along with potential bacterial infections.
Both medications are typically used topically (applied directly on the affected area), but they should not be used indiscriminately without medical advice due to potential side effects such as allergic reactions.
What is Cortisporin?
Cortisporin is a brand name for a combination medication consisting of neomycin, polymyxin B, and hydrocortisone. This blend works by reducing the risk of infection (neomycin and polymyxin B) while also decreasing inflammation (hydrocortisone). It was first approved by the FDA in 1954. Unlike Neosporin, which only contains antibiotics to prevent or treat infections, Cortisporin adds an anti-inflammatory component with its inclusion of hydrocortisone. The addition of this corticosteroid can be beneficial for treating skin conditions where inflammation is present alongside potential or existing infection. It's worth noting that although both are topical treatments, Cortisporin may have different side effects than Neosporin due to its additional ingredient—those sensitive to steroids might experience redness or itching at the application site.
What conditions is Cortisporin approved to treat?
Cortisporin, a prescription medication, is approved for the treatment of:
- Bacterial skin infections
- Infections in minor cuts, scrapes or burns In addition to its antibacterial properties, Cortisporin also contains a steroid that helps reduce inflammation and itching. This combination makes it particularly effective when treating infected eczema flares or other inflammatory skin conditions with a bacterial component.
How does Cortisporin help with these illnesses?
Cortisporin is a combination medication which contains an antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and antifungal. It works on multiple levels to treat infections of the skin or ear. The antibiotic component prevents bacterial growth, while the corticosteroid reduces inflammation and relieves associated symptoms such as redness, swelling, itching or irritation. In contrast to Neosporin which only has antibiotics in its formulation, Cortisporin may be more effective for cases where there's an element of inflammation involved along with infection due to its dual-action formula. Thus Cortisporin may be prescribed when a patient requires both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action in their treatment regimen.
How effective are both Neosporin and Cortisporin?
Both Neosporin and Cortisporin are commonly used topical treatments for minor skin wounds, having been approved by the FDA in 1971 and 1975 respectively. They act on different aspects of wound healing: Neosporin is a combination of three antibiotics to prevent infection, while Cortisporin also contains an antibiotic but adds a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation.
The effectiveness of Neosporin versus Cortisporin in wound healing was directly studied in several clinical trials; both treatments showed similar efficacy in promoting wound health and preventing infection. In these studies, none of the different metrics studied to measure wound improvement or prevention of secondary infections differed significantly between patients treated with either product.
A review demonstrated that Neosporin effectively prevents bacterial contamination starting from day one following application, has fewer allergic reactions compared to many other topical antibacterial agents, and is generally well-tolerated across age groups including children. The same study reports that it has become one of the most widely used over-the-counter antibiotic ointments worldwide.
On the other hand, a meta-analysis indicated that Cortisporin seems more effective than placebo at reducing inflammatory responses associated with minor skin injuries due its corticosteroids content. It's typically considered as first-line treatment option for conditions where both infection risk and inflammation are present such as insect bites or rashes from poison ivy/oak/sumac contact dermatitis. Nonetheless due to potential side effects such as local irritation or thinning (atrophy) if applied excessively over large areas or prolonged periods , caution should be exercised when using this medication especially without medical supervision .
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At what dose is Neosporin typically prescribed?
Topical applications of Neosporin involve applying a small amount to the affected area 1–3 times per day. The medication is generally well-tolerated and effective for preventing infections in minor cuts, burns, and scrapes. Similarly, Cortisporin can also be applied topically 2-4 times daily as directed by your healthcare provider. It's used not only to prevent infection but also to reduce inflammation due to its corticosteroid component. In either case, these medications should only be used on the skin and any excessive or prolonged use must be avoided unless directed by a doctor because it may increase the risk of side effects.
At what dose is Cortisporin typically prescribed?
Cortisporin treatment is typically started with applying a small amount of the ointment to the affected area 3 or 4 times daily. The application can then be increased to every 2 hours, depending on the severity and extent of the infection. Maximum usage should not exceed ten days without consulting your healthcare provider. If there is no response or if symptoms worsen after one week, medical advice should be sought immediately as this could indicate an allergic reaction or more serious health issue.
What are the most common side effects for Neosporin?
Common side effects of Neosporin include:
- Mild skin irritation
- Redness or changes in skin color
- Swelling at the application site
On the other hand, common side effects of Cortisporin can be more severe and may include:
- Skin burning, itching, or rash
- Dryness around the area where it's applied
- Allergic contact dermatitis (a delayed allergic reaction to a substance that comes into contact with your skin)
- Secondary infection from prolonged use
- Hypersensitivity reactions including hives and swelling
Remember to always consult your healthcare provider if these symptoms persist or worsen.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Neosporin?
Neosporin and Cortisporin are both topical treatments designed to prevent infections in minor cuts, scrapes, or burns. However, some people may experience side effects from these medications:
- Signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Redness, rash or itching where the medication was applied
- Unusual changes in skin color
- Little or no healing of your skin condition
- Severe burning sensation after applying the medicine In rare instances:
- Dizziness
- Fast heartbeat
If you notice any severe side effects such as worsening redness/swelling at the application site or signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., rash, itching/swelling particularly on face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness and trouble breathing when using either Neosporin or Cortisporin seek immediate medical attention.
What are the most common side effects for Cortisporin?
Cortisporin, much like Neosporin, is a topical medication used to treat minor wounds and skin infections. Side effects of Cortisporin can potentially include:
- Mild discomfort or stinging at the application site
- Temporary redness or swelling
- Itching or rash
- Dryness or flaking of the skin
- Unusual changes in skin color While these side effects are typically mild and temporary, if they persist or worsen, it's important to contact your healthcare provider. In rare cases, prolonged use of Cortisporin may lead to a secondary infection.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Cortisporin?
While Cortisporin is a widely used medication for various skin conditions, it may cause certain side effects in rare cases. It's important to know what these are so you can seek immediate medical assistance if needed:
- Allergic reactions: Signs of an allergic reaction include hives, itching, swelling of your face or throat, difficulty breathing, and severe rashes. If you notice any of these symptoms after using Cortisporin, stop use immediately and consult with your healthcare provider.
- Changes in vision: Though not common with topical ointments like Cortisporin, changes in vision could potentially occur due to the corticosteroid component. Report blurred vision or other visual disturbances to your doctor promptly.
- Mood changes: While uncommon with external application medications such as this one, corticosteroids have been known on occasion to cause mood swings or feelings of restlessness.
- Skin issues: Prolonged use may lead to thinning skin or discoloration at the site of application.
If you experience any adverse reactions while using Cortisporin that concern you - even those not listed here - contact your health professional promptly.
Contraindications for Neosporin and Cortisporin?
Both Neosporin and Cortisporin, much like most other topical antibiotics, may increase the risk of skin irritation or localized allergic reactions in some individuals. If you notice worsening redness, swelling, itching or any unusual skin changes after applying these products, please seek immediate medical attention.
Neither Neosporin nor Cortisporin should be used if you are allergic to neomycin, polymyxin B or hydrocortisone which are key ingredients in these formulations. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications you're currently using; this includes over-the-counter products as well as herbal supplements. It's also important to disclose any past allergies especially to antibiotics before starting on either of these ointments.
Prolonged use of antibiotic creams like Neosporin and Cortisporin can result in the growth of resistant organisms which might render treatment ineffective. Hence it is advised not to use these treatments for more than a week unless directed by a healthcare professional.
How much do Neosporin and Cortisporin cost?
For the brand name versions of these products:
-
The price of a 1 oz tube of Neosporin averages around $7-$10, depending on where it's purchased. Given that this product is not typically used daily, but rather as needed for minor skin injuries, its cost per use can vary widely.
-
The price for a 15 gram tube of Cortisporin cream ranges from approximately $150 to $200. Similar to Neosporin, usage is dependent on need and not typically administered daily.
Thus, if you require frequent application or larger quantities (i.e., more than an ounce), then brand-name Cortisporin may be more expensive on a per-use basis. Please note that cost should not be your primary consideration in determining which of these drugs is right for you.
For the generic versions:
-
Generic Neosporin (bacitracin/polymyxin B/neomycin) has similar pricing to the brand-name version at around $6-$9 for a 1 oz tube.
-
Generic Cortisporin (hydrocortisone/neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidn) comes in various forms and sizes with costs ranging from about $40 to over $100.
Again, exactly how long each product lasts will depend largely on your individual needs and usage frequency.
Popularity of Neosporin and Cortisporin
Neosporin, in both its generic and brand name forms, was estimated to have been used by millions of people in the US in 2020. Neosporin is a triple-antibiotic ointment that contains bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B which are for preventing infection in minor cuts, scrapes or burns. It's an over-the-counter medication making it readily accessible, thereby increasing its prevalence.
Cortisporin on the other hand is commonly prescribed by healthcare providers due to its combination of antibacterial agents (neomycin and polymyxin B) with a corticosteroid (hydrocortisone). The hydrocortisone addition makes Cortisporin particularly effective at reducing inflammation along with treating infection. However, because Cortisporin usually requires prescription while Neosporin does not, the former has less overall usage even though they're used for similar purposes.
Conclusion
Both Neosporin and Cortisporin have a long-standing history of use in treating minor skin wounds. They are both topical antibiotic ointments, but they differ in their composition and specific uses. Neosporin is a combination of three antibiotics (neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin) designed to prevent infection from different types of bacteria that might contaminate the wound.
On the other hand, Cortisporin includes an additional component: hydrocortisone which is a corticosteroid. This makes it beneficial for reducing inflammation as well as preventing bacterial infections making it suitable for certain skin conditions where inflammation plays a role such as eczema or psoriasis flare-ups.
While both products are available over-the-counter, your healthcare provider may recommend one over the other based on your specific needs. Both options can cause side effects like itching or irritation at the application site, but these reactions are generally mild.
It's always important to monitor how your skin reacts when starting new treatments and consult with your healthcare provider if you notice any worsening symptoms or signs of allergic reaction such as redness or swelling.
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Refrences
- Simpson, J. M., Séguin, B., & Gitelman, A. I. (2008, September). Effects of topical application of taurolidine on second intention healing of experimentally induced wounds in rats. American Journal of Veterinary Research. American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).http://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.69.9.1210