Passer au contenu principal

Pommade cutanée à la polymyxine et à la bacitracine

Polyfax

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.

Continuez à lire ci-dessous

About polymyxin and bacitracin ointment

Type de médicament

An anti-infective skin cream

Utilisé pour

Infections cutanées

Aussi appelé

Polyfax® (discontinued)

Disponible sous forme de

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.

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you start using the ointment it is important that your doctor knows:

  • Si vous êtes enceinte ou si vous allaitez.

  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a skin cream/ointment, or to any other medicine.

  • Si vous avez des problèmes avec le fonctionnement de vos reins.

  • 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.

Continuez à lire ci-dessous

  • Before 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.

On 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.

Continuez à lire ci-dessous

  • Gardez tous les médicaments hors de la portée et de la vue des enfants.

  • Conserver dans un endroit frais et sec, à l'abri de la chaleur et de la lumière directes.

  • Do not store any ointment left over at the end of your treatment for another time.

Informations importantes sur tous les médicaments

Cette préparation est à utiliser uniquement sur la peau. Si quelqu'un en avale accidentellement, rendez-vous au service des urgences de votre hôpital local. Emportez le contenant avec vous, même s'il est vide.

Ce médicament est pour vous. Ne le donnez jamais à d'autres personnes, même si leur état semble être le même que le vôtre.

Ne gardez pas de médicaments périmés ou indésirables. Apportez-les à votre pharmacie locale qui s'en débarrassera pour vous.

Si vous avez des questions concernant ce médicament, demandez à votre pharmacien.

Signaler les effets secondaires d'un médicament ou d'un vaccin

Si vous ressentez des effets secondaires, vous pouvez les signaler en ligne via le Yellow Card website.

symptom checker

Vous n'êtes pas sûr de mélanger des médicaments ?

Vérifiez les interactions possibles entre les médicaments, les compléments et les aliments avant de les prendre ensemble.

Questions fréquemment posées

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.

Lectures complémentaires et références

Continuez à lire ci-dessous

About the authorView full bio

Author image

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

Author image

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.

Historique de l'article

Les informations sur cette page sont rédigées et examinées par des cliniciens qualifiés.

  • Prochaine révision prévue : 28 nov. 2027
  • 29 mai 2023 | Dernière version

    Dernière mise à jour par

    Michael Stewart, MRPharmS

    Revu par

    Sid Dajani
flu eligibility checker

Demandez, partagez, connectez-vous.

Parcourez les discussions, posez des questions et partagez vos expériences sur des centaines de sujets de santé.

Inscrivez-vous à la newsletter Patient

Votre dose hebdomadaire de conseils de santé clairs et fiables - rédigés pour vous aider à vous sentir informé, confiant et maître de la situation.

Veuillez entrer une adresse e-mail valide

By subscribing you accept our Politique de confidentialité. Vous pouvez vous désabonner à tout moment. Nous ne vendons jamais vos données.