Triple Antibiotic Ointment belongs to the class of topical antibiotics. As its name suggests, it contains three antibiotics – 400 units of bacitracin, 3.5 mg of neomycin sulfate, and 5,000 units of polymyxin B sulfate. These antibiotics are combined with a light base of several inactive ingredients namely, cetyl alcohol, light mineral or cottonseed oil, glycerin, stearic acid, squalane, cocoa butter, white petrolatum, tocopheryl acetate, sodium pyruvate, steareth-2, and arachamide MEA/palmitoyl oxostearamide/myristoyl. The ointment is packaged in 28 g, 14 g, or 9.4 g tubes and stored at 59 to 77 degrees Farenheit. This product is solely for external application. It is an over-the-counter antibiotic, meaning that one does not require a doctor’s prescription to use it.
Triple Antibiotic Ointment is used for first-aid purposes because of its antibiotic properties. It prevents minor burns, blisters, cuts, and scrapes from getting infected and speeds up their healing. The ointment’s antibiotic components destroy bacteria on the skin. They also prevent bacteria from growing on the wound. The ointment is one of the medications used to treat impetigo and cellulitis, which are examples of bacterial skin infections. However, its antibacterial nature makes it ineffective in the management of fungal or viral skin infections. One must consult a doctor prior to applying it on severe burns, animal bites, and deep wounds.
The product’s effectiveness may be reduced if it is used unnecessarily. A potential alternative to Triple Antibiotic Ointment is Polysporin, which is a Double Antibiotic Ointment. It is so called because it contains only two antibiotics – polymyxin B and bacitracin. For this reason, Polysporin is suitable for use by people who cannot tolerate Triple Antibiotic Ointment because they are allergic to neomycin. Tea Tree Topical Ointment can also be used in place of Triple Antibiotic Ointment. It is a natural treatment for bacterial skin infections and a viable option for individuals who react adversely with Triple Antibiotic Ointment.