Creator: SingleCare
Published: 2020-04-03T09:53:44-04:00

Key takeaways

Bacitracin and Neosporin are both FDA-approved, over-the-counter topical antibiotic ointments used to prevent infection in minor skin injuries, with Neosporin containing three antibiotics (bacitracin, polymyxin B sulfate, and neomycin) and bacitracin containing only bacitracin.
While both ointments effectively lower the risk of infections in uncomplicated wounds, no studies have directly compared bacitracin to Neosporin, making it difficult to determine which is more effective overall.
Both medications have minimal common side effects, typically involving mild skin irritation, but Neosporin’s inclusion of neomycin can rarely cause hearing loss, a side effect not associated with bacitracin.
Bacitracin and Neosporin are generally not covered by insurance or Medicare Part D, but you can reduce the cost with SingleCare coupons. Bacitracin is typically available for $8 to $12, and generic Neosporin is available for less than $5 with a prescription and coupon.

A minor cut or scrape can be more than an annoyance—it could turn into an infection. You may want to have a topical antibiotic ointment on hand as part of your first aid kit.

Bacitracin and Neosporin are over-the-counter (OTC) topical antibiotic ointments used to prevent infection of minor skin injuries such as cuts, scrapes, and burns. Both medications are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Bacitracin ointment is available in generic form and contains only bacitracin. Neosporin is available in both brand and generic form—you may see it labeled as Triple Antibiotic Ointment. Neosporin contains bacitracin, along with polymyxin B sulfate and neomycin, thus the name triple antibiotic ointment, because it contains three antibiotics.

Although both medications are antibiotic ointments that are available over the counter and used for wound care, they have some differences, which we will discuss below.

What are the main differences between bacitracin and Neosporin?

Bacitracin is an antibiotic ointment available in generic form, and it can be found over-the-counter.

Neosporin is available in a variety of formulations. The most common form of Neosporin contains three antibiotics and is sometimes called triple antibiotic ointment. It contains bacitracin, polymyxin, and neomycin, and is available in various brand and generic ointments or creams. For example, Neosporin is also available as Neosporin + Pain Relief Ointment, and Neosporin + Pain Itch Scar Ointment, both of which contain the three antibiotics plus pramoxine, which is a topical anesthetic medication. There is also a Neosporin + Pain Relief Cream and a Neosporin Kids Plus Pain Cream, both of which contain bacitracin and polymyxin along with pramoxine (a numbing medicine). Neosporin Lip Health contains white petrolatum, or petroleum jelly, the ingredient found in Vaseline.

	Bacitracin	Neosporin
Drug class	OTC topical antibiotic	OTC topical antibiotic
Brand/generic status	Generic	Brand and generic
What is the generic name? What is the brand name?	Bacitracin (or bacitracin zinc)	Triple antibiotic ointment or Bacitracin, polymyxin B sulfate, and neomycin sulfate
What form(s) does the drug come in?	Ointment	Ointment, creams
What is the standard dosage?	Apply a small amount to the affected area one to three times daily after cleaning. You may cover with a sterile bandage.	Apply a small amount to the affected area one to three times daily after cleaning. You may cover with a sterile bandage.
How long is the typical treatment?	Short-term	Short-term
Who typically uses the medication?	Children and adults	Children and adults

Conditions treated by bacitracin and Neosporin

Both bacitracin and Neosporin have the same indication—for use as first aid to prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns.

Condition	Bacitracin	Neosporin
First aid to prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes, and/or burns	Yes	Yes

Is bacitracin or Neosporin more effective?

A 2018 meta-analysis of topical antibiotics for the prevention of wound infections concluded that topical antibiotics were effective in lowering the risk of infections in uncomplicated wounds when compared to placebo or antiseptics (such as hydrogen peroxide). However, the risk reduction was minimal compared to placebo and antiseptics. The authors of the study suggested that because of antibiotic resistance, topical antibiotics do have an important place, and antiseptics can be considered an alternative to topical antibiotics such as bacitracin or Neosporin. Studies have not directly compared bacitracin to Neosporin.

A 2016 study on postsurgical scar management concluded that white petrolatum (Vaseline) is a safe and effective wound care ointment with less risk for an allergic reaction.

The best topical ointment is the one that works for you with the fewest reactions. It is also a good idea to keep a tube or two on hand as part of your first aid kit.

Check with your healthcare provider if you have any questions on which antibiotic ointment is better for you, especially if you have a history of allergies to topical antibiotics or if your wound is deep or oozing, meaning that it could already be infected.

Coverage and cost comparison of bacitracin vs. Neosporin

Bacitracin and Neosporin are usually not covered by insurance or Medicare Part D, because they are OTC products. Occasionally, they may be covered (in generic form) by some plans.

You can purchase a 1-ounce tube of bacitracin for about $8 to 12. You can save money on bacitracin with a SingleCare card, but you will need your doctor to issue a prescription. Even though bacitracin is OTC, your pharmacist will have to process a prescription in order for a discount to apply.

You can purchase a 1-ounce tube of brand-name Neosporin for about $10. You can purchase generic Neosporin with a SingleCare coupon for less than $5 if prescribed by your doctor.

	Bacitracin	Neosporin
Typically covered by insurance?	No	No
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?	No	No
Standard dosage	1 tube	1 tube
Typical Medicare Part D copay	N/a	N/a
SingleCare cost	$4.67+	$5+

Common side effects of bacitracin vs. Neosporin

Both medications tend to be very well tolerated. You may have mild skin irritation or contact dermatitis from either medication.

With either medication, seek emergency medical attention if you develop any signs of an allergic reaction, which include hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

A rare, but very serious side effect of the antibiotic neomycin, which is an ingredient in Neosporin, is hearing loss. However, it is very unlikely to occur with the topical medication. Notify your healthcare provider immediately if you notice any changes in hearing.

If the affected area that you are treating becomes very red, swollen, or is oozing, contact your healthcare provider.

Drug interactions of bacitracin vs. Neosporin

Bacitracin and Neosporin, used topically, do not have any significant drug interactions.

Warnings of bacitracin and Neosporin

Bacitracin and Neosporin are for external use only.
Ask your healthcare provider before using if you have an open wound, a deep or puncture wound, an animal bite, or a serious burn.
If you do not see wound healing after one week, contact your healthcare provider.
Do not use bacitracin or Neosporin if you are allergic to the ingredient(s).
Do not use in the eye(s), or on large areas of the body.
Stop using the medication and contact your healthcare provider if your condition gets worse or you develop a rash or any kind of reaction to the medication.
Keep out of the reach of children.

OTC alternatives to bacitracin and Neosporin

Polysporin is another OTC topical medication that is similar to bacitracin and Neosporin. Polysporin contains two antibiotics—bacitracin and polymyxin.

Vaseline, also known as petroleum jelly or white petrolatum, can often be used as an alternative to bacitracin or Neosporin. Vaseline can help keep the wound from drying out, help keep the wound clean, and is generally well-tolerated. A 2016 study about postsurgical scar management explained that some healthcare providers will recommend an antibiotic ointment for the first week, and then have the patient to switch to Vaseline. This minimizes the risk of an allergic reaction.

The study also mentions that other topical ointments that contain ingredients such as vitamin E or D or cocoa butter, or the product Mederma, are often used to try to improve scar healing. However, studies have not shown them to be more effective than petroleum jelly. The benefits of these types of products may be due to massaging the scar and providing moisture to the area.

A 2018 study noted that topical antiseptics (such as hydrogen peroxide) can be considered as an alternative to topical antibiotics.

Whichever treatment is used, proper wound care (such as keeping the area clean—and covered, when necessary) is important.

Patients should consult their healthcare provider for guidance on wound care.

Prescription alternatives to bacitracin and Neosporin

There are also several topical antibiotics that are available by prescription. For example, Bactroban (mupirocin) is available as both an ointment and a cream and can be used to treat impetigo and other bacterial skin infections. Mupirocin is generally applied 2 or 3 times per day. Altabax (retapamulin) is a topical antibiotic used to treat impetigo. There are also topical prescription medications used to treat burn wounds. For example, Silvadene (silver sulfadiazine) cream can be used to treat second or third degree burns. Sulfamylon (mafenide) can be used to treat burn wound infections. Consult your healthcare provider for medical advice regarding various wound treatments.

Frequently asked questions about bacitracin vs. Neosporin

What is bacitracin?

Bacitracin is an over-the-counter topical antibiotic ointment that can be used as first aid to prevent infection from minor wounds, abrasions, cuts, scrapes, or burns. This ointment contains one antibiotic, bacitracin.

What is Neosporin?

Neosporin is an over-the-counter topical antibiotic, available in brand and generic, and in cream and ointment form, that can help prevent infection from minor scrapes, burns, or cuts. This medicine contains 3 antibiotics—bacitracin, polymyxin, and neomycin.

Are bacitracin and Neosporin the same?

Bacitracin contains only one antibiotic, called bacitracin. Neosporin contains three antibiotics—bacitracin, along with polymyxin and neomycin. So, Neosporin contains bacitracin, but also contains two other antibiotic ingredients, where bacitracin only contains one antibiotic. Both medications are used topically to prevent infection.

Another similar medication is called Polysporin, which contains two antibiotics—bacitracin and polymyxin, and is known as double antibiotic ointment.

Is bacitracin or Neosporin better?

Studies have not compared the two medications directly. Some people prefer one to the other, and others use each one interchangeably. Check with your healthcare provider if you need help choosing an antibiotic ointment.

Can I use bacitracin or Neosporin while pregnant?

Generally, these topical medications are safe to use externally when pregnant. Ask your OB-GYN before using, to be sure that bacitracin or Neosporin is appropriate for you.

Can I use bacitracin or Neosporin with alcohol?

There is no available information about the use of topical bacitracin or Neosporin with alcohol.

Is bacitracin and triple antibiotic ointment the same?

Triple antibiotic ointment is the same as Neosporin, and contains bacitracin along with two other antibiotics, polymyxin and neomycin. Bacitracin only contains bacitracin.

Why is Neosporin bad for wounds?

Neosporin is not bad for wounds, but may have gotten this reputation due to the ingredient neomycin, which some people are allergic to. However, anyone can potentially be allergic to any ingredient in Neosporin, including bacitracin, which is also the only ingredient in bacitracin. However, most people do tolerate either medication very well.

What is the best antibiotic ointment?

The best antibiotic ointment is the one that works best for you and does not cause any allergies or skin irritation. Most people do fine with either one, but some people have an allergy to one or the other. Consult your healthcare provider if you need help choosing an antibiotic ointment.

What ointment is better than Neosporin?

Bacitracin, Polysporin, or Vaseline (petroleum) can usually be used as alternatives to Neosporin. One is not necessarily better than the other. It is generally a matter of preference and tolerance. Some people have allergic reactions to Neosporin, Polysporin, or bacitracin, but generally do not have reactions to Vaseline.

What is the strongest antibacterial ointment?

Bacitracin, Polysporin, and Neosporin are all OTC antibiotic ointments that generally work well in treating minor cuts and scrapes. Bactroban (mupirocin) is a prescription antibacterial ointment that can kill more types of bacteria than the OTC ointments. There are also several other prescription ointments used for bacterial skin infections. Your healthcare provider can advise you on which antibacterial ointment would be best for your condition.