Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: NEOMYCIN AND POLYMYXIN B SULFATES AND BACITRACIN ZINC versus NEOMYCIN POLYMYXIN B SULFATES BACITRACIN ZINC HYDROCORTISONE.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: NEOMYCIN AND POLYMYXIN B SULFATES AND BACITRACIN ZINC versus NEOMYCIN POLYMYXIN B SULFATES BACITRACIN ZINC HYDROCORTISONE.
NEOMYCIN AND POLYMYXIN B SULFATES AND BACITRACIN ZINC vs NEOMYCIN & POLYMYXIN B SULFATES & BACITRACIN ZINC & HYDROCORTISONE
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Neomycin is an aminoglycoside that binds to the 30S ribosomal subunit, causing misreading of mRNA and inhibition of protein synthesis. Polymyxin B is a polypeptide that disrupts bacterial cell membrane permeability by interacting with phospholipids. Bacitracin inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by interfering with dephosphorylation of the lipid carrier in peptidoglycan biosynthesis.
Neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin are antibiotics that inhibit bacterial protein synthesis, disrupt cell membrane integrity, and interfere with cell wall synthesis, respectively. Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid that suppresses inflammation by inhibiting phospholipase A2, reducing prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis.
Apply thin layer to affected area 2-3 times daily. For ophthalmic use: 1-2 drops in affected eye every 4 hours, or 1/2 inch ribbon of ointment in conjunctival sac 2-3 times daily.
Apply to affected area 3-4 times daily. Not for use in eyes.
None Documented
None Documented
Neomycin: 2-3 h (terminal), prolonged in renal impairment; polymyxin B: 6-7 h (terminal), extended in renal failure; bacitracin: 1.5 h (if absorbed), not clinically relevant due to minimal absorption.
Neomycin: 2-3h (normal renal); polymyxin B: 4-6h (normal renal), prolonged to 2-3 days in renal impairment; bacitracin: ~1.5h after IM; hydrocortisone: 1.5-2h (plasma). Topical: systemic levels negligible.
Renal: ~90% of absorbed neomycin and polymyxin B; bacitracin zinc: minimal systemic absorption, excreted primarily in feces. For neomycin: ~99% fecal after oral; polymyxin B: ~60% renal, rest biliary; bacitracin: nearly 100% renal if absorbed.
Neomycin: >90% renal (unchanged) after parenteral; polymyxin B: ~60% renal (unchanged) over 72h; bacitracin: >90% renal (unchanged) after IM; hydrocortisone: hepatic metabolism, metabolites renally eliminated (<1% unchanged). Topical: negligible systemic absorption across intact skin (except bacitracin may be minimally absorbed).
Category A/B
Category A/B
Aminoglycoside Antibiotic
Aminoglycoside Antibiotic