Bacitracin Zinc Ointment vs Neosporin: Which One is Better?

Among the first-aid topical antibiotic preparations available over-the-counter or OTC, bacitracin zinc ointment vs Neosporin are commonly used on minor cuts and scrapes to minimize the risk of infection. Although these are not FDA-approved products, but their effectiveness has been proven by years of use. But how do bacitracin zinc ointment vs Neosporin differ?

In this article, let us learn what these products are and how they work to find out which one is a better option between bacitracin zinc ointment vs Neosporin.

Bacitracin Zinc Ointment USP

Bacitracin zinc ointment is a non-prescription topical product. It is used to cover wounds to reduce pain and prevent bacterial infections. Its active ingredient is:

Bacitracin zinc

500 units (iU) per gram

Along with the bacitracin antibiotic, the inactive ingredients in the products are:

·  Mineral oil

·  Paraffin

·  Sodium pyruvate

Due to the presence of three antibiotics, Neosporin is sometimes also called ‘neo-bac-polym’.

How Does Neosporin Work?

Neosporin has three antibiotics that work in different ways to prevent and eliminate the infection. Bacitracin prevents bacteria from forming their protective cell wall and stops their growth. Polymyxin B is bactericidal which means it kills bacterial cells by breaking their cell walls while neomycin prevents bacteria from making essential proteins so that new cells cannot be formed.

Uses

Neosporin ointment can be used in the following skin conditions:

·  Minor cuts

·  Scrapes

·  First-degree burns

Benefits

Neosporin provides the following advantages:

·  The use of Neosporin minimizes pain and discomfort at the site of injury.

·  The chances of infection are also reduced.

·  In case of an existing infection, Neosporin reduces the bacterial buildup and thus clears the site of injury from microbes.

·  Neosporin, when applied to the wound, effectively reduces the scars.

Spectrum of Activity

Neosporin has three different antibiotics. Among these, neomycin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic while bacitracin and polymyxin B are narrow-spectrum. When used in combination, these three protect the wound almost against all kinds of bacteria. 

Prescription Status

Like bacitracin zinc ointment, Neosporin is also sold as a non-prescription or OTC product.

Storage

For maintaining the activity of the Neosporin ointment for longer, it is best to store it at a cool and dry place at 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F).

Bacitracin Zinc Ointment vs Neosporin: a Comparison

Bacitracin zinc ointment vs Neosporin has a lot of similarities in terms of their usage, effectiveness, and OTC status. However, there are certain features which are different for both. The following table enlists the detailed comparison of bacitracin zinc ointment vs Neosporin:

Features	Bacitracin Zinc Ointment	Neosporin
Active Ingredient(s)	Bacitracin	Neomycin sulfate Bacitracin zinc Polymyxin B sulfate
Route of Administration	Topical	Topical
Dosage Form	Ointment	Cream, ointment
Availability	Generic form	Generic and brand form
Suitability	Children and adults	Children and adults
Bacteriostatic Effects (Can stop bacterial growth)	✔	✔
Bactericidal Effects (Can kill existing bacteria)	✘	✔
Spectrum of Activity	Narrow	Broad
Prescription Status	OTC	OTC
Frequency of Use	1 to 3 times per day	1 to 3 times per day
FDA Approval	✘	✘
Toxicity	Toxic to kidneys in case of overdose	Toxic in case of overdose
Chances of Antibiotic Resistance	✔	✔
Risk of Allergic Reaction	Mild to moderate	High due to neomycin
Insurance Coverage	Usually no	Usually no
Cost	$15.80 (for 3 packs)	$20.89 (for 3 packs)

Bacitracin Zinc Ointment vs Neosporin: Which One is Better for You?

The choice between the bacitracin zinc ointment vs Neosporin is difficult as both have good specifications and are highly effective. But for some people, one product might be better than the other due to the following reasons:

Allergic Reaction to Neomycin

If you are allergic to the antibiotic neomycin (or polymyxin B) which has a higher potential for causing sensitivity, Neosporin is not the right product for you. If you apply the product, an immediate reaction will occur in the form of redness, itching, hives, rashes, and inflammation. In such cases, bacitracin zinc ointment should be preferred.

Note: In case of a serious allergic reaction to any of the antibiotic products, serious symptoms like troubled breathing or swallowing issues can occur. In such case, discontinue the use immediately and contact a healthcare professional or visit your nearest pharmacy. Also, call 911 in case of life-threatening symptoms.

⚠️ Warning Both bacitracin zinc ointment and Neosporin are for external use only.

Bottom Line 

Among multiple topical antibiotic preparations, bacitracin zinc ointment vs Neosporin is often talked about. Both products are considered efficacious in performance and highly effective in treating minor cuts, scrapes, and lighter burns.

When the features of bacitracin zinc ointment vs Neosporin are compared, it becomes clear that both products are equally good in performance. However, with the use of Neosporin, the risk of an allergic reaction is higher. This is due to the presence of antibiotic neomycin which is known to cause such reactions.

Therefore, one should decide for themselves before using bacitracin zinc ointment vs Neosporin after going to the detailed information available on both products. For purchasing the bacitracin zinc ointment vs Neosporin antibiotic ointment, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.