According to WebMD, Neosporin is a readily available ointment containing antibiotics to prevent bacterial infections on minor skin injuries. The antibiotics in the product include bacitracin, polymyxin, and neomycin. It’s crucial to understand that Neosporin is ineffective for treating large or deep wounds or fungal infections.
The application of this topical treatment is straightforward. Start by thoroughly cleaning the affected skin area and washing your hands before applying the ointment. A small amount is sufficient to create a thin layer across the injured area, and this can be done up to three times daily. Covering the treated area with a bandage afterward is optional. If you notice no improvement or worsening of the condition after a few days, it’s possible the ointment may not suffice, necessitating a consultation with your healthcare provider.
Like all medications, Neosporin has an expiration date, which is printed on the tube, as noted by Consumer Reports. To maximize its shelf life, store the ointment in a cool, dry place, avoiding the bathroom medicine cabinet. But is it safe to use Neosporin after it expires? Here’s the information we have.
Using Neosporin after its expiration date won’t likely harm you
As explained by Consumer Reports, using Neosporin after its expiration date is generally considered safe, provided you discard it no later than one year past this date. The expiration date is determined by the manufacturer based on tests that measure how long the product maintains its effectiveness. While the medication may lose some potency after the expiration date, it doesn’t necessarily become ineffective immediately.
When it’s time to dispose of expired Neosporin, proper disposal is key. One method is to participate in the manufacturer’s TerraCycle program, which recycles used packaging into new products, as mentioned in Neosporin’s press release. If TerraCycle isn’t an option, mixing the leftover ointment with coffee grounds or cat litter, sealing it in a plastic bag, and disposing of it in the trash is another effective method, according to U.S. News & World Report.
While Neosporin may be safe to use within a year after its expiration, this is not the case for all medications. For instance, if a medication contains the antibiotic tetracycline, it must be disposed of after expiration due to potential toxicity, as highlighted by Consumer Reports.
