Polymyxin and bacitracin skin ointment
Polyfax
Granskad av Sid DajaniSenast uppdaterad av Michael Stewart, MRPharmSLast updated 29 May 2023
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Clinical author's note Michael Stewart 22/5/2023: Polyfax® ointment was discontinued in the UK in November 2017. At the time of review there are no branded or generic creams or ointments containing polymyxin and bacitracin available in the UK. Equivalent products may still be available in other countries. This medicine leaflet is based on medical information available in the UK at the time of writing and is left here for reference purposes. Please also refer to the manufacturer's information supplied with your medicine.
Use the ointment twice a day unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Only apply it to the areas of skin which are infected.
You should notice an improvement within about 4-5 days.
At a glance
Polymyxin and bacitracin ointment is a skin cream used for bacterial skin infections.
It is usually applied twice a day to the infected skin.
You should read the manufacturer's leaflet before using it.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have kidney problems.
Minor skin irritation can occur; stop use if it becomes severe.
Seek medical advice if your skin does not improve after 4-5 days.
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About polymyxin and bacitracin ointment
Typ av medicin | An anti-infective skin cream |
Används för | Hudinfektioner |
Även kallad | Polyfax® (discontinued) |
Tillgänglig som | Ointment |
Polymyxin and bacitracin ointment is used to treat skin infections caused by bacteria. By treating the infection, it will allow your skin to heal.
Before using polymyxin and bacitracin ointment
Tillbaka till innehållTo make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you start using the ointment it is important that your doctor knows:
Om du är gravid eller ammar.
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a skin cream/ointment, or to any other medicine.
Om du har några problem med hur dina njurar fungerar.
If you are using any other skin preparations or taking any medicines. This includes any preparations you are using which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.
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How to use polymyxin and bacitracin ointment
Tillbaka till innehållBefore you start this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack. The leaflet will give you more information about the ointment and a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from using it.
Your doctor will tell you how often to use the cream. It is usual to apply it twice daily, although it may be more frequently than this if your doctor thinks it necessary. Only apply it to the areas of skin which are infected.
You should notice your skin starting to get better within a few days. If you haven't noticed any improvement after 4-5 days, check with your doctor for further advice.
Can polymyxin and bacitracin ointment cause problems?
Tillbaka till innehållOn occasion, the ointment may cause some minor skin irritation. If the irritation becomes troublesome or severe, stop using it and ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
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How to store polymyxin and bacitracin ointment
Tillbaka till innehållFörvara alla läkemedel utom räckhåll och synhåll för barn.
Förvara på en sval, torr plats, borta från direkt värme och ljus.
Do not store any ointment left over at the end of your treatment for another time.
Viktig information om alla läkemedel
Tillbaka till innehållViktig information om alla läkemedel
Denna beredning är endast avsedd för användning på huden. Om någon av misstag sväljer något av det, gå till akutmottagningen på ditt lokala sjukhus. Ta med behållaren, även om den är tom.
Denna medicin är för dig. Ge den aldrig till andra människor även om deras tillstånd verkar vara detsamma som ditt.
Behåll inte föråldrade eller oönskade mediciner. Ta dem till ditt lokala apotek som kommer att ta hand om dem åt dig.
Om du har några frågor om denna medicin, fråga din apotekare.
Rapportera biverkningar av ett läkemedel eller vaccin
Om du upplever biverkningar kan du rapportera dem online via Yellow Card website.

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Vanliga frågor
What kind of infections does polymyxin and bacitracin ointment treat?
Polymyxin and bacitracin ointment is specifically used to treat skin infections that are caused by bacteria. By clearing up the bacterial infection, it helps your skin to heal properly.
How quickly should I expect to see an improvement in my skin after starting this treatment?
You should start to notice your skin getting better within a few days of starting to use the ointment. If you haven't seen any improvement after 4-5 days, you should contact your doctor for further guidance.
Are there any reasons why I might not be able to use polymyxin and bacitracin ointment?
Yes, it's important to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if you have ever had an allergic reaction to skin creams or other medicines, or if you have any problems with your kidney function. You should also mention any other skin treatments or medicines you are using, including those bought without a prescription or any herbal remedies.
What should I do if I experience skin irritation from the ointment?
On rare occasions, this ointment might cause some minor skin irritation. If you find the irritation becomes bothersome or severe, you should stop using the ointment and ask your doctor or a pharmacist for advice.
Can I use polymyxin and bacitracin ointment for other skin problems in the future, if I have some left over?
No, you should not keep any leftover ointment once your treatment is finished. This medicine is specifically prescribed for your current condition. You should dispose of any out-of-date or unwanted medicines by taking them to your local pharmacy.
Vidare läsning och referenser
- British National Formulary, 79th Edition (Mar 2020); Brittiska Läkarföreningen och Kungliga Farmaceutiska Sällskapet i Storbritannien, London.
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About the authorView full bio

Michael Stewart, MRPharmS
Medicine Leaflet Review Manager – Contractor, Pharmacist
BPharm (Hons), MRPharmS
Michael is a community pharmacist practicing in the Midlands and South Yorkshire with more than 20 years’ experience advising on medicines and medical conditions. He has a strong background in healthcare training, having produced and delivered training courses for pharmacy teams and staff of residential care settings, including nurses. He has also contributed to pharmacy advisory boards for the management of low acuity conditions in the community.
About the reviewer

Sid Dajani
Sultan Dajani qualified at the London School of Pharmacy in 1994 and became the youngest elected member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society council since its founding in 1842.
Artikelhistorik
Informationen på denna sida är skriven och granskad av kvalificerade kliniker.
Next review due: 28 Nov 2027
29 May 2023 | Senaste versionen

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