Triple Antibiotic Coupons & Prices

Triple antibiotic ointment combines bacitracin zinc, neomycin sulfate, and polymyxin B sulfate to help prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns, and it's sold over the counter without a prescription. It's available under store brands as well as name brands like Neosporin, and shelf prices for the identical combination can differ between pharmacies — enter your ZIP above to compare prices near you.

What Is Triple Antibiotic Ointment?

Triple antibiotic ointment is an over-the-counter first aid product that combines three antibiotics — bacitracin zinc, neomycin sulfate, and polymyxin B sulfate — in a single topical ointment. Each of the three ingredients works against a different, overlapping range of bacteria commonly found on skin, which is why they're combined rather than used alone.

Per the FDA over-the-counter monograph, it's labeled as first aid to help prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. A small amount (about the size of the tip of a finger) is applied to the affected area one to three times a day, and the area can be covered with a sterile bandage.

Saving Money on Triple Antibiotic Ointment

Because this is an over-the-counter monograph product, it's made by many manufacturers, and store-brand versions contain the same active ingredients at the same strengths as name-brand products like Neosporin Original. Prices still vary by pharmacy and package size, so it's worth comparing before you buy, particularly if you keep it stocked as a first aid staple. An Rx.com coupon can help even on an OTC product at pharmacies where it's rung up as a covered item.

Alternatives and Comparisons

• Neosporin Original – the best-known name brand containing the same three antibiotics (neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin zinc).
• Bacitracin ointment (single-ingredient) – often chosen by people who are sensitive or allergic to neomycin, which is a more common cause of contact dermatitis than the other two ingredients.
• Plain petroleum jelly – some dermatologists recommend it instead of antibiotic ointment for routine minor wound care to reduce the chance of developing an antibiotic allergy over time; ask your provider what's appropriate for your situation.

Safety Information

Triple antibiotic ointment is for external use only — it should not be used in the eyes, over large areas of the body, or for longer than a week without checking with a doctor. Ask a doctor before using it on deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns. Stop use and ask a doctor if the condition doesn't improve within a week, gets worse, or if a rash or other allergic reaction develops; neomycin in particular is a relatively common cause of allergic contact dermatitis with repeated use. This is not a controlled substance and is not known to interact with oral medications when used as directed on intact or minor skin injuries, but check with a pharmacist if you have questions.