Neomycin

Antibiotic (skin)
ALSO SOLD WITHOUT PRESCRIPTION

Neomycin is a antibiotic (skin) found in 3 medicines sold in India, such as Betnovate-N, Neosporin, Cloben-G. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

What it is used for

Prevents or treats bacterial infection in minor cuts and wounds.

How it works

An aminoglycoside antibiotic used in skin creams and ear or eye drops for surface bacterial infections.

How to take it

Apply thinly 2 to 3 times a day for no more than 7 to 10 days.

Common side effects

Skin allergy (contact dermatitis) is common

Get medical help straight away if

  • Rash spreads or worsens
  • Hearing changes with ear drops in a perforated eardrum

Be careful

Can cause skin allergy in some people.

Other medicines and interactions

Not for large wounds or broken eardrums. Avoid using for long.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Short skin use is generally acceptable; ask a doctor.

Combination medicines that contain Neomycin (3)

Betnovate-NCloben-GNeosporin

Common questions

What is Neomycin used for?

Prevents or treats bacterial infection in minor cuts and wounds.

How does Neomycin work?

An aminoglycoside antibiotic used in skin creams and ear or eye drops for surface bacterial infections.

How should I take Neomycin?

Apply thinly 2 to 3 times a day for no more than 7 to 10 days.

What are the side effects of Neomycin?

Common: Skin allergy (contact dermatitis) is common. Get help straight away for: Rash spreads or worsens, hearing changes with ear drops in a perforated eardrum.

Does Neomycin interact with other medicines?

Not for large wounds or broken eardrums. Avoid using for long.

Is Neomycin safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Short skin use is generally acceptable; ask a doctor.

Does Neomycin need a prescription in India?

It is usually sold without a prescription in India, but ask a pharmacist if you take other medicines or have a long-term illness.

Which brands contain Neomycin?

Betnovate-N, Cloben-G, Neosporin.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

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For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.