Cortisporin Cream (Hydrocortisone, Neomycin, Polymyxin B) Drug Information: Clinical Pharmacology

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May 27, 2012

Cortisporin Cream

Swimmer's Ear »

Swimmer's ear facts

Swimmer's ear, or external otitis, is typically a bacterial infection of the outer ear canal skin and can occur in acute and chronic forms.
Excessive water exposure and frequent instrumentation (usually cotton swabs) of the ear canal are important causative factors.
Itchy ears, a feeling of fullness, swelling, drainage, and pain are early symptoms.
Antibiotic ear drops and avoidance of water are frequently necessary for treatment.
Proper ear care can avoid most infections.

What is "swimmer's ear" or acute external otitis?

External otitis or "swimmer's ear" is an infection of the skin covering the outer ear and ear canal. Acute external otitis is commonly a bacterial infection caused by streptococcus, staphylococcus, or pseudomonas types of bacteria. The swimmer's ear infection is usually caused by excessive water exposure from sw...

Read the Swimmer's Ear article »

Cortisporin Cream

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CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

Corticoids suppress the inflammatory response to a variety of agents and they may delay healing. Since corticoids may inhibit the body's defense mechanism against infection, a concomitant antimicrobial drug may be used when this inhibition is considered to be clinically significant in a particular case.

The anti-infective components in the combination are included to provide action against specific organisms susceptible to them. Polymyxin B sulfate and neomycin sulfate together are considered active against the following microorganisms: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella Enterobacter species, Neisseria species, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The product does not provide adequate coverage against Serratia marcescens and streptococci, including Streptococcus pneumoniae.

The relative potency of corticosteroids depends on the molecular structure, concentration, and release from the vehicle.

The acid pH helps restore normal cutaneous acidity. Owing to its excellent spreading and penetrating properties, the cream facilitates treatment of hairy and intertriginous areas. It may also be of value in selective cases where the lesions are moist.

Last reviewed on RxList: 4/28/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.