Neosporin Wound Cleanser

Generic name: Benzalkonium Chloride [ BEN-zal-KOE-nee-um-klor-ide ]
Brand names: Antimicrobial Cleanser, CureChrome, HandClens 2 in 1, Merthiolate, Neosporin Wound Cleanser
Drug class: Antiseptic and germicides

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 16, 2024.

Uses of Neosporin Wound Cleanser:

• It is used to prevent skin infections.
• It is used to clean wounds.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Neosporin Wound Cleanser?

• If you have an allergy to benzalkonium chloride or any other part of Neosporin Wound Cleanser (benzalkonium chloride).
• If you are allergic to Neosporin Wound Cleanser (benzalkonium chloride); any part of Neosporin Wound Cleanser (benzalkonium chloride); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have a very bad burn or cut.
• If you have an animal bite or a deep puncture wound.
• If a large area needs to be treated.

This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Neosporin Wound Cleanser (benzalkonium chloride) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Neosporin Wound Cleanser?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take Neosporin Wound Cleanser (benzalkonium chloride). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• If signs get worse or last for more than 7 days, talk with the doctor.
• Do not use large amounts of Neosporin Wound Cleanser (benzalkonium chloride). Do not use over a large area, raw skin, or blisters. Talk with the doctor.
• Use with care in a child younger than 2 years of age. Talk with the doctor.
• This medicine may cause harm if swallowed. If Neosporin Wound Cleanser (benzalkonium chloride) is swallowed, call a doctor or poison control center right away.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using Neosporin Wound Cleanser (benzalkonium chloride) while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is this medicine (Neosporin Wound Cleanser) best taken?

Use Neosporin Wound Cleanser (benzalkonium chloride) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Do not take Neosporin Wound Cleanser (benzalkonium chloride) by mouth. Use on your skin only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, ears, and eyes (may burn).
• Wash your hands before and after use. Do not wash your hands after use if putting this on your hand.
• Clean affected part before use. Make sure to dry well.
• Put on affected skin and let dry.
• The treatment area may be covered with a dressing.
• To clean a wound, put on affected skin and wipe with sterile gauze.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Use a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not use 2 doses or extra doses.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs or symptoms of infection.
• Swelling.
• Redness.
• Very bad skin irritation.

Related/similar drugs

Betadine, ethanol topical, iodine topical, Clinidine, silver nitrate topical, povidone iodine topical

What are some other side effects of Neosporin Wound Cleanser?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Neosporin Wound Cleanser?

• Store at room temperature.
• Do not freeze.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about Neosporin Wound Cleanser (benzalkonium chloride), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer