Topical triple-antibiotic ointment as a novel therapeutic choice in wound management and infection prevention: a practical perspective.
Triple-antibiotic ointment (TAO) is a safe and effective topical agent for preventing infections in minor skin trauma. The formulation contains neomycin, polymyxin B and bacitracin in a petrolatum base. TAO is active against the most common disease-causing pathogens found in wounds and on the skin and may be an attractive alternative to oral therapy in select circumstances. Resistance to TAO does not develop readily, and safety studies have shown that the risk of allergic sensitivity to TAO is low. Susceptibility profiles of TAO have remained relatively unchanged since its discovery. Prophylaxis or treatment with TAO should be considered as resistant organisms continue to emerge in the community and hospital setting.
Bonomo
Robert A
RA
Case Western Reserve University, Veteran Affairs Medical Center, 10701 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA. robert.bonomo@med.va.gov
Van Zile
Peter S
PS
Li
Qing
Q
Shermock
Kenneth M
KM
McCormick
William G
WG
Kohut
Bruce
B
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001414:Bacitracin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004338:Drug Combinations; D024881:Drug Resistance, Bacterial; D006801:Humans; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D009355:Neomycin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011112:Polymyxin B / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017192:Skin Diseases, Bacterial / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects*; D014946:Wound Infection / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D004338:Drug Combinations; D001414:Bacitracin; D009355:Neomycin; D011112:Polymyxin B