Cortisporin

Empyema, Pink Eye, Pneumonia + 17 more

Treatment

20 Active Studies for Cortisporin

Treatment for

Empyema

What is Cortisporin

Bacitracin

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Neomycin is an antibiotic drug used to treat infections caused by bacteria. It works by blocking the production of proteins needed by bacteria to survive. Neomycin sulfate is the most common form of the drug. It can be taken orally as a single treatment to help with liver problems, or combined with other drugs in ointments and eye drops to treat external ear and eye infections. Neomycin is also available in over-the-counter topical products to prevent minor skin infections.

Bacitracin

is the brand name

Cortisporin Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Bacitracin

1948

Effectiveness

How Cortisporin Affects Patients

Neomycin works by stopping bacteria from making proteins, which prevents them from growing and surviving. It usually remains effective for 48 to 72 hours after taking it orally. Neomycin fights both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, such as the ones found in the colon, as well as enteropathogenic forms of E. coli. There is a chance of bacteria becoming resistant to neomycin, but it has no effect on fungi or certain protozoa.

How Cortisporin works in the body

Neomycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that works to kill bacteria by disrupting their protein production. It does this by attaching itself to the ribosomes of the bacteria, which are responsible for protein production. This prevents the ribosomes from creating proteins, thus preventing bacterial growth.

When to interrupt dosage

The measure of Cortisporin is contingent upon the recognized complaint, including Itching due to Infection, Secondarily Infected Eczema and Communicable Diseases. The quantity of dosage varies, in accordance with the method of delivery (e.g. Suspension - Auricular (otic) or Topical) featured in the table beneath.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Acne Vulgaris

0.5 [USP'U]/mg, , 0.4 [USP'U]/mg, 0.5 [iU]/mg, 0.4 [iU]/mg, 0.0004 mg/mg, 5000.0 [iU]/mL, 50000.0 [USP'U], 0.4 units/mg, 0.5 units/mg, 400.0 [USP'U], 0.4178 [iU]/mg, 0.6 [USP'U]/mg, 50000.0 units, 1.25 %, 5000.0 [USP'U]/mL, 50000.0 [iU], 0.04 units/mg, 0.0041 mg/mg, 0.0051 mg/mg, 5000.0 units/mL, 0.0486 mg/hour, 400.0 mg/mg, 0.005 [USP'U]/mg, 1.0 mg, 6.0 mg/mL, 400.0 mg/mL, 1.2 [USP'U]/mg, 0.8 [iU]/mg, 0.00048 mg/mg, 0.25 units/mg, 0.065 units/mg, 5.0 units/mg, 500.0 units/mL, 0.05 units/mg

Ointment - Topical, Topical, , Ointment, Ointment - Ophthalmic, Ophthalmic, Liquid - Topical, Liquid, Intramuscular, Injection, powder, for solution - Intramuscular, Injection, powder, for solution, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intramuscular, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Stick - Topical, Powder - Topical, Spray - Topical, Spray, Powder, for solution - Intramuscular; Topical, Intramuscular; Topical, Powder, for solution, Cream, Cream - Topical, Powder, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular, Kit, Kit - Topical, Gel - Topical, Ointment - Ophthalmic; Topical, Stick, Lozenge, Oral, Gel, Swab - Topical, Ophthalmic; Topical, Ointment; Swab - Topical, Oral; Topical, Kit - Oral; Topical, Lozenge - Oral, Swab, Ointment; Swab, Irrigation; Ophthalmic; Respiratory (inhalation); Topical, Kit - Irrigation; Ophthalmic; Topical, Irrigation; Ophthalmic; Topical, Kit - Irrigation; Ophthalmic; Respiratory (inhalation); Topical, Kit - Ophthalmic, Kit - Ophthalmic; Oral; Respiratory (inhalation); Topical, Kit - Ophthalmic; Topical, Kit - Ophthalmic; Respiratory (inhalation); Topical, Electro-osmosis, Ophthalmic; Oral; Respiratory (inhalation); Topical, Kit - Electro-osmosis, Ophthalmic; Respiratory (inhalation); Topical, Cutaneous, Irrigation; Ophthalmic; Oral; Respiratory (inhalation); Topical, Kit - Irrigation; Ophthalmic; Oral; Respiratory (inhalation); Topical, Kit - Irrigation; Oral; Respiratory (inhalation); Topical, Patch - Cutaneous, Patch, Kit - Respiratory (inhalation); Topical, Irrigation; Oral; Respiratory (inhalation); Topical, Kit - Ophthalmic; Oral; Topical, Ophthalmic; Oral; Topical, Kit - Oral; Respiratory (inhalation); Topical, Oral; Respiratory (inhalation); Topical, Respiratory (inhalation); Topical, Cream; Kit; Liquid; Ointment; Tablet; Tablet, chewable; Tablet, film coated, Cream; Kit; Liquid; Ointment; Tablet; Tablet, chewable; Tablet, film coated - Oral; Topical

Pneumonia

Infection

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Wound Infection

Ocular Inflammatory Disease

Bacterial Infections

Keratoconjunctivitis

Blepharoconjunctivitis

prophylaxis of infection in minor cuts, scrapes, or burns

infection in minor cuts, scrapes, or burns

Coinfection

Empyema

Pink Eye

Skin Diseases

Blepharitis

Wound

Eye Infections

Skin Ulcer

Inflammation

Warnings

Cortisporin has nine contraindications, thus it should be avoided when dealing with the conditions listed in the table below.

Cortisporin Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions

Do Not Combine

Bacitracin may interact with Pulse Frequency

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Cortisporin.

Common Cortisporin Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

Tenofovir

Major

Bacitracin may increase the nephrotoxic activities of Tenofovir.

Tenofovir alafenamide

Major

Bacitracin may increase the nephrotoxic activities of Tenofovir alafenamide.

Tenofovir disoproxil

Major

Bacitracin may increase the nephrotoxic activities of Tenofovir disoproxil.

Vibrio cholerae CVD 103-HgR strain live antigen

Major

The therapeutic efficacy of Vibrio cholerae CVD 103-HgR strain live antigen can be decreased when used in combination with Bacitracin.

Abacavir

Minor

Bacitracin may decrease the excretion rate of Abacavir which could result in a higher serum level.

Cortisporin Toxicity & Overdose Risk

Neomycin sulfate is toxic in mice, with LD50 values of 8g/kg orally, 200mg/kg when given subcutaneously, and 305mg/kg when given intraperitoneally. The lowest toxic dose for women is 12600mg/kg over 7 days. Prolonged use of neomycin is not recommended as it can lead to systemic absorption and may cause neurotoxicity, ototoxicity, or nephrotoxicity. Hemodialysis can help remove neomycin from the blood. Pregnant women should avoid taking neomycin as it may cause fetal harm and total irreversible bilateral congen

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Cortisporin Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Cortisporin?

405 active studies are being conducted to ascertain the potential of Cortisporin in mitigating Inflammation, Atopic Dermatitis and other Atopic Dermatological conditions.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Acne Vulgaris

0 Actively Recruiting

infection in minor cuts, scrapes, or burns

0 Actively Recruiting

Blepharitis

0 Actively Recruiting

prophylaxis of infection in minor cuts, scrapes, or burns

0 Actively Recruiting

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

6 Actively Recruiting

Phase 1, Phase 3, Phase 4, Phase 2

Empyema

1 Actively Recruiting

Phase 4

Bacterial Infections

0 Actively Recruiting

Pink Eye

0 Actively Recruiting

Skin Diseases

0 Actively Recruiting

Ocular Inflammatory Disease

0 Actively Recruiting

Pneumonia

16 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable, Early Phase 1, Phase 2

Keratoconjunctivitis

0 Actively Recruiting

Infection

6 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable, Phase 1

Blepharoconjunctivitis

0 Actively Recruiting

Inflammation

0 Actively Recruiting

Wound Infection

0 Actively Recruiting

Wound

9 Actively Recruiting

Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, Not Applicable

Skin Ulcer

2 Actively Recruiting

Phase 2, Not Applicable

Eye Infections

0 Actively Recruiting

Coinfection

0 Actively Recruiting

Cortisporin Reviews: What are patients saying about Cortisporin?

3.7

Patient Review

1/28/2013

Cortisporin for Chronic Middle Ear Inflammation with Discharge of Pus

I started using this medication on 1/24 and, unfortunately, it hasn't been all that effective. I was prescribed it by urgent care for my ear pain and tinnitus, but neither have gone away. In addition, I've only read negative reviews about the drug and the paperwork says it can cause hearing loss--so I'm done with it. These online reviews scared me off.

2.7

Patient Review

5/17/2009

Cortisporin for Outer Ear Inflammation caused by Allergy or Infection

I have not found this to be an effective treatment for me as my infection has recurred. Additionally, the roof of my mouth now swells with the fourth treatment in 8 months.

2.3

Patient Review

1/24/2016

Cortisporin for Outer Ear Inflammation caused by Allergy or Infection

Unfortunately, this medication caused my ears to swell shut and made my infection worse.

Patient Review

5/31/2022

Cortisporin for Outer Ear Inflammation caused by Allergy or Infection

I really don't like the dropper method. All of my other drops just squeeze out. Three times I have turned the bottle over to drop in my ear and spilled it all over my face.

Patient Review

5/24/2012

Cortisporin for Outer Ear Inflammation caused by Allergy or Infection

I'm a little disappointed; I didn't see any results, and actually think it might have made things worse.

Patient Review

9/17/2020

Cortisporin for Outer Ear Inflammation caused by Allergy or Infection

This made my symptoms worse. My ear is itchier and more painful, my jaw is swollen, and my hearing has gotten worse. I'm going to stop using it and flush it out with warm water.

Patient Review

1/27/2014

Cortisporin for Outer Ear Inflammation caused by Allergy or Infection

This medication has led to decreased hearing in my right ear, making it echo. It also won't unblock no matter what I do. I'll never use these drops again.

Patient Review

5/6/2010

Cortisporin for Chronic Middle Ear Inflammation with Discharge of Pus

I didn't think this did anything to help my ear pain. If anything, it might have made the infection worse.

1.7

Patient Review

1/18/2014

Cortisporin for Outer Ear Inflammation caused by Allergy or Infection

I tried this in my left ear and found that it increased my pain instead of easing it. I discontinued use for a while to see if the problem was the drops or something else, but when I went back to using them, the pain came back too.

1.7

Patient Review

3/2/2015

Cortisporin for Outer Ear Inflammation caused by Allergy or Infection

This medication unfortunately caused me more pain and a decrease in my hearing ability.

1.3

Patient Review

9/22/2020

Cortisporin for Outer Ear Inflammation caused by Allergy or Infection

The packaging is terrible and makes it difficult to measure the correct dosage. A regular screw-on lid with a bulb dropper would be much better.

Patient Review

2/23/2012

Cortisporin for Outer Ear Inflammation caused by Allergy or Infection

Unfortunately, this treatment made my infection worse. I noticed my ears swelling up and becoming itchy, and my hearing decreased. Definitely will not be using this again.

Patient Review

8/3/2016

Cortisporin for Outer Ear Inflammation caused by Allergy or Infection

These drops made my slight case of swimmers ear into a nightmare. My ear has swollen up completely, constantly ringing, I can't even chew my food because my face hurts so bad. Went to urgent care tonight after being advised by my dr. They told me to keep using the drops. I'm even running a 102 fever now and can't hear anything at all. Will never take this again and I'm calling my dr in the morning!!

image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about cortisporin

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

Is Cortisporin an antibiotic?

"Cortisporin Otic Solution is a medication that is used to treat bacteria and inflammation in the ear."

Answered by AI

Is Cortisporin good for ear infection?

"Cortisporin is an ear drop medication containing three different medications: neomycin, polymyxin, and hydrocortisone. This ear drop medication is a good option for treating outer ear infections."

Answered by AI

How long does it take for Cortisporin to work?

"As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

If you are taking this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles, it should start to work within 48 hours. However, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here."

Answered by AI

What is Cortisporin used for?

"This medication is used to treat skin infections. This product contains neomycin, bacitracin, and polymyxin, antibiotics that work by stopping the growth of bacteria, as well as hydrocortisone, an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid that works by reducing swelling and itching."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Cortisporin

Image of Children's of Alabama in Birmingham, United States.

Antibiotic Duration for Infections in Children

60 - 17

All Sexes

Birmingham, AL

Infections like pneumonia, skin and soft tissue infection (also called SSTI or cellulitis), and urinary tract infections (UTI) are some of the most common reasons children get admitted to the hospital. All three of these conditions require antibiotics for treatment. Although antibiotics are needed to treat the infection and help children feel better, taking them longer than needed can negatively impact children and their families. Negative impacts include things like the burdens of taking more medications and medication side effects. There are guidelines (instructions) from expert medical organizations that suggest the number of days children need antibiotics, but they give a wide range (between 5 and 14 days). Unfortunately, these guidelines are not based on high-quality studies. National data suggests that doctors often choose on the higher end of this range when writing prescriptions for children in the hospital. Our three caregiver co-investigators, other parents of hospitalized children, doctors, other care providers, and researchers, all believe that additional study is needed to determine the best length of antibiotic treatment that weighs both the benefits and harms of antibiotics. The goal of our study is to understand if 5 total days of antibiotic treatment compared to 10 total days of antibiotic treatment is better for children who have been in the hospital for pneumonia, SSTI, or UTI. We will study this question through a randomized control trial. In other words, half of the children will receive 5-days of antibiotics and the other half will receive 10-days of antibiotics. Children in this study (and their caregivers) will not know how many days of antibiotics they will receive to cure their infection because some children will take a placebo (or a pill without antibiotics in it). Only the pharmacy will know if a child is getting antibiotic or placebo (for days 6-10 of treatment). During the first phase of the trial (feasibility phase), 4 hospitals will enroll children in the study. We plan on enrolling 50 patients during this phase. We are starting with just 4 hospitals, so our study team can create and update our study plans if needed. We will closely review information about how many patients and families agree to participate, and if they have any trouble completing any part of the study. We will also interview families to understand the choice to participate in the study, the choice not to participate in the study, and what it is like to be in the study. During the second study phase, we will enroll 1150 more patients across all 11 hospitals. Families will complete short, daily surveys until the 15th day after they started antibiotics, then a larger survey at day 15, at day 20, and at day 30. These surveys will ask about the child's symptoms and recovery from their illness, how the antibiotics are making them feel, and if they had to go back to their doctor, emergency room, or hospital. The answers to these questions will be combined to measure how well the child did, balancing feeling better and having bad effects from the antibiotics. We will use mathematical tests to determine which antibiotic duration is better for treating these illnesses. We will complete other mathematical tests to see if all children should receive the same length of antibiotics or if certain children should be prescribed shorter courses and others longer courses.

Phase 4

Waitlist Available

New This Month

Children's of Alabama (+9 Sites)

Sunitha V Kaiser, MD, MSc