Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: NEOMYCIN AND POLYMYXIN B SULFATES BACITRACIN ZINC AND HYDROCORTISONE versus NETROMYCIN.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: NEOMYCIN AND POLYMYXIN B SULFATES BACITRACIN ZINC AND HYDROCORTISONE versus NETROMYCIN.
NEOMYCIN AND POLYMYXIN B SULFATES, BACITRACIN ZINC AND HYDROCORTISONE vs NETROMYCIN
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin are topical antibiotics that inhibit bacterial protein synthesis (neomycin and bacitracin) or disrupt bacterial cell membrane permeability (polymyxin B). Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid that suppresses inflammation by inhibiting phospholipase A2, reducing prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis.
Netromycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that binds to the 30S ribosomal subunit, causing misreading of mRNA and inhibition of protein synthesis in bacteria.
Apply a thin layer to the affected area 2 to 4 times daily. Ophthalmic: 1-2 drops or a small amount (1/2 inch ribbon) into the conjunctival sac every 4 hours, or more frequently in severe infections. Otic: 4 drops into the affected ear(s) 3-4 times daily. Topical: Apply 2-4 times daily. Route: Topical, ophthalmic, otic.
4-6 mg/kg IV once daily for serious infections; 1.5-2 mg/kg IV every 8 hours for gram-negative infections. Administered as intravenous infusion over 30-60 minutes.
None Documented
None Documented
Neomycin: 2-3 hours for absorbed fraction (extensive variability). Polymyxin B: 6-7 hours (prolonged in renal impairment). Bacitracin: 1.5 hours (intramuscular data; topical: negligible). Hydrocortisone: 1.5-2 hours (topical absorption limited).
Terminal elimination half-life is 2-3 hours in adults with normal renal function, but may extend to 24-48 hours in patients with impaired renal function.
Neomycin is primarily excreted unchanged in feces (97%) after oral administration; absorbed fraction is renally excreted. Polymyxin B is mainly eliminated via renal tubular secretion (60-70% unchanged in urine). Bacitracin is predominantly excreted renally (90% unchanged). Hydrocortisone is metabolized hepatically and metabolites are excreted renally. For topical ophthalmic/otic use: negligible systemic absorption; any absorbed drug follows the respective systemic routes.
Renal excretion of unchanged drug accounts for 80-90% of elimination via glomerular filtration; biliary/fecal elimination is minimal (<5%).
Category A/B
Category C
Aminoglycoside Antibiotic
Aminoglycoside Antibiotic