According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the year 2022, every 7 in 10 patients who visited the outpatient setting in the US hospitals were prescribed at least one antibiotic. Among these, a large number of the prescriptions include topical antibiotics for the treatment of dermatological issues. Moreover, apart from prescription-based use, these topical antibiotics are also available over-the-counter.
Considering their vast utilization, it is important to know which topical antibiotics are suitable for which skin conditions, what are their possible side effects, and if they cause antibiotic resistance. Let us discuss these issues in the following article:
Commonly Used Topical Antibiotics
The following antibiotics are commonly prescribed for topical use:
· Bacitracin
· Neomycin
· Polymyxin B
· Clindamycin
· Erythromycin
· Pramoxine
· Mupirocin
· Retapamulin
· Silver sulfadiazine
· Sulfacetamide sodium
· Ozenoxacin
· Mafenide
· Gentamicin
· Minocycline
Uses of Topical Antibiotics
Topical antibiotics are extensively used in the following skin conditions:
1. Bacterial Infections
There is a vast range of skin infections which are caused by bacteria. However, the symptoms of all of these infections are more or less the same. These bacterial infections are often treated by using topical antibiotics which include metronidazole, bacitracin, as well as clindamycin. Moreover, the use of mupirocin cream is also recommended.
2. Impetigo
Impetigo is a type of skin infection that is caused by two kinds of bacteria i.e. either Staphylococcus aureus or Group A Streptococcus. It is contagious which means the infection can get transmitted from one person to another and commonly affects infants and young children. The symptoms include red sores on the facial region, neck, hands, and feet. To treat these sores, topical antibacterial products are often prescribed.
3. Burns, Cuts, and Scrapes
Topical antibiotics are often prescribed for minor cuts, burns, or scrapes on the skin. As the burns and other skin injuries vary in depth and severity, it is best to consult a healthcare professional if the wound is deeper. But if there is a minor cut or a first-degree burn with reddened skin but no blistering, topical antibiotics can be applied.
4. Acne
If you are suffering from mild to moderate acne, your doctor might prescribe a topical antibiotic cream or ointment. This is because the microbe responsible for causing acne is a bacterium called Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). The topical antibiotics work best against it so they can reduce acne when used in combination with benzyl peroxide. Suitable topical antibiotics for acne include:
· Clindamycin (suitable for long-term use)
· Erythromycin
· Minocycline
5. Post-Surgical Wounds
Topical antibiotics are also sometimes prescribed to treat post-surgical wounds and to prevent them from getting infected. It is also believed that by applying a topical antibiotic to the wound, the moisture in the affected area does not escape. As a result, healing is promoted. Studies have confirmed the effectiveness of topical antibiotics in preventing infections in surgical wounds as compared to the wounds that are left untreated.
6. Rosacea
Rosacea is a condition in which the skin of the cheeks, eyelids, nose, chin, and forehead is inflamed. The affected areas become reddened with blood vessels becoming extremely prominent. Acne is also a common issue. Physicians often prescribe doxycycline gels or creams to treat the symptoms. The use of products containing metronidazole is also common.
7. Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is an infection which affects the scalp. The symptoms include inflammation of the skin with the appearance of red and scaly patches. The presence of dandruff is also common. The infection can also affect other areas of the body such as eyelids, ears, chest, eyebrows, and nose. Topical antibiotics including miconazole, clotrimazole, and nystatin along with steroids are used as treatment options.
8. Paronychia
Paronychia is an infection of the skin that is caused by bacteria and affects the areas around the nails. To treat the condition, topical antibiotics along with topical steroids are often suggested.
9. Dandruff
Dandruff is a condition which causes the scalp to flake. As dandruff is caused by fungi, antifungal gels, and shampoos are recommended for its treatment. These products contain ketoconazole which is an antibiotic. In addition, the use of antibiotics like sulfonamides is also effective.
Advantages of Topical Antibiotics
The use of topical antibiotics is preferred over oral medications as these can provide the following advantages:
Quick Relief
The antibiotic-containing topical creams or gels are applied directly at the site of injury where they start working immediately and provide rapid relief to the patients.
Fewer Side Effects
As the antibiotic is directly applied to the affected area, its effectiveness is increased. The patients are also less likely to experience the side effects that are commonly associated with oral antibiotic therapy.
Less Toxicity
As most of the antibiotic remains in the affected area of the skin, the risk of toxicity is significantly decreased.
Side Effects of Topical Antibiotics
Generally, topical antibiotics are safe to use. However, some people experience the following side effects:
· Nausea
· Vomiting
· Abdominal pain
· Redness or rashes on the skin
· Vaginal yeast infection
Topical Formulations and Antibiotic Resistance
Antibiotic resistance is a phenomenon in which the bacteria become resistant to a certain antibiotic. As a result, they remain unaffected if higher doses of this antibiotic are used by the patient to treat an infection. Usually, it happens either when an antibiotic is not used properly or is used extensively for a longer period.
“Nearly 236.4 million antibiotics prescriptions are dispensed in the US every year to the outpatients. Among these, approximately 28% of people do not require antibiotics at all.”
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Research has suggested that long-term use of topical antibiotics leads to antibiotic resistance, especially in young people who have acne. Presently, bacteria have extensively become resistant to erythromycin and clindamycin, the two topical antibiotics commonly used for skin issues. Therefore, it is best not to use topical antibiotics when they are not needed. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting the therapy.
Antibiotic Ointments at Health Supply 770: Brands, Products, and Specifications
Topical antibiotics are the best choice when it comes to skin infections. These are easy to use and have high patient compliance as compared to oral antibiotics which can also be prescribed for skin disorders. In this regard, some of the topical antibiotics have been discussed as follows which are available at Health Supply 770. Along with their description, their prices as well as purchase links have also been mentioned:
Dynarex 1176 Bacitracin Zinc Ointment
Price: $299.88 (Per case containing 12 jars)
Product Details
Dynarex 1176 bacitracin zinc ointment comes in a 15-ounce (oz.) or 425 grams jar. Because of having a broad-spectrum antibiotic, bacitracin zinc ointment is a great product that prevents the skin from a wide range of bacterial infections. The petrolatum present in the ointment helps retain the moisture in the skin. As a result, the wound remains clean and healing becomes quick.
Dynarex bacitracin zinc ointment is also easy to apply as the product is not messy at all. Due to the big size of the container, the product can last longer as only a small amount is enough for a single application. The product is ideal for use in hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies, as well as at home, and should be a must in every first-aid kit.
Dynarex 1161 Bacitracin Ointment Foil Pack
Price: $14.88
Product Details
Dynarex 1161 bacitracin ointment is a quick relief option for minor wounds, cuts, and scrapes as well as for multiple skin and soft tissue infections. The topical antibacterial agent bacitracin added to the product attacks bacterial cells and prevents them from causing infections. Like other topical antibiotics, bacitracin-containing Dynarex ointment also helps reduce pain at the site of injury.
Bacitracin ointment comes in individual packs each of which contains 0.9 grams of the product. This kind of packaging also ensures sterility of the product until the time of use. Moreover, people with sensitive skin types can also use Dynarex bacitracin ointment.
Dynarex 1180 Triple Antibiotic Ointment
Price: $16.88 (0.5 gram foil)
Price: $20.88 (0.9 gram foil)
Product Details
Dynarex 1180 triple antibiotic ointment is a product that contains three ointments as its active ingredients. These include bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B. This combination aims to fight even more kinds of bacteria at the same time. The synergistic effect of the triple antibiotic ointment provides relief to the patient by reducing the infection in the shortest possible time.
The product is also smooth in texture which allows comfortable application without causing a mess. Each pack of the ointment is packed individually to keep it sterile for longer. Moreover, the compact size of the packs also allows portability. Patients who have sensitive skin can also use the triple antibiotic ointment by Dynarex.
As the product is also free from any kind of fragrance as well as latex material, it does not cause any irritation to the skin. As a result, the chances of getting an allergic reaction are extremely low.
Due to its affordable price, the product can be stored in your home first aid kit as it can come in handy in the time of need. As the Dynarex triple antibiotic ointment comes in two sizes, it is available in 0.5-gram as well as 0.9-gram packs. Both the packs vary slightly in price as well.
DY1185 Dynarex Triple Antibiotic Ointment Tube
Price: $244.88
Product Details
DY1185 Dynarex triple antibiotic ointment tubes are topical antibacterial products that can be used to prevent or treat infections. The product is suitable for the management of surgical wounds, acne vulgaris, and infected eczema, as well as for other mild infections.
The ointment contains a combination of three antibiotics which include bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B. When used in conjunction, these three help treat minor wounds effectively and protect them against possible infections.
Moreover, the product is also effective against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. Each tube of the Dynarex triple antibiotic ointment contains 1 ounce (oz.) of the product. Due to its small size, the product is easy to carry and extremely lightweight. In addition, a single use of the ointment creates a protective coat on the skin which lasts up to 24 hours.
*Note: The prices mentioned in the article are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. These may vary over time.
All different kinds of topical antibiotic products, along with many other medical supplies, can be purchased from Health Supply 770, a reliable name when it comes to medical products.
They have a 30-day money-back guarantee and provide your products to you in the shortest possible time. Click the links given in the article to check out the wide range of bacitracin zinc ointments as well as triple antibiotic ointments.
Bottom Line
Topical antibiotics are commonly used for the treatment of commonly occurring skin infections, minor injuries, scrapes, first-degree burns, impetigo, and other complications. As they are available over the counter, patients can purchase topical antibiotics without a prescription. As a result, their use becomes extensive.
Despite the benefits achieved from them, these topical antibiotics available in the form of creams and ointments also pose some health risks, especially over long-term use. Prominently, these are considered responsible for drug resistance in many cases. Therefore, it is recommended that any kind of antibiotic should be used after taking advice from a medical professional.
For purchasing topical antibiotic creams and ointments, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.
References
https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD011426.pub2/full
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/tjpr/article/view/122937
PhD Scholar (Pharmaceutics), MPhil (Pharmaceutics), Pharm D, B. Sc.
Uzma Zafar is a dedicated and highly motivated pharmaceutical professional currently pursuing her PhD in Pharmaceutics at the Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab. With a comprehensive academic and research background, Uzma has consistently excelled in her studies, securing first division throughout her educational journey.
Uzma’s passion for the pharmaceutical field is evident from her active engagement during her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) program, where she not only mastered industrial techniques and clinical case studies but also delved into marketing strategies and management skills.
