Important Neosporin and Polysporin Differences

The information in this section is made available through the generous support of Dr. Grant Stevens.

People often think that Neosporin topical ointment is the same, or interchangeable with Polysporin topic ointment. They are not the same, and many plastic surgeons do not want their patients using Neosporin as there can be allergic reactions with it due to the neomycin.

Listed below are the differences between the two. Do not use any ointment, though, without the permission of your plastic surgeon first.

       Neosporin Original
Active Ingredients:
      Polymyxin B Sulfate
      Bacitracin Zinc
      Neomycin

 Polysporin Ointment
Active Ingredients:
      Polymyxin B Sulfate
      Bacitracin Zinc