From the Guidelines
Polysporin ointment does not reliably cover MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) infections. Standard Polysporin contains bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B, which are not effective against MRSA 1. For suspected or confirmed MRSA skin infections, mupirocin (Bactroban) ointment is typically recommended as it has better activity against MRSA.
Key Points to Consider
- The most recent and highest quality study, published in 2018, recommends oral antibiotics such as linezolid, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, a tetracycline (doxycycline or minocycline), or tedizolid for the management of MRSA skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTIs) 1.
- For intravenous antibiotic coverage of MRSA in patients with SSTI, recommended agents include daptomycin, IV linezolid, IV ceftaroline, IV dalbavancin, IV vancomycin, IV tigecycline, or IV tedizolid 1.
- Seven to 14 days of therapy is recommended but should be individualized on the basis of the patient’s clinical response 1.
Important Considerations
- If you suspect a MRSA infection, which often appears as a painful red bump resembling a spider bite, pimple, or boil that may contain pus, it's essential to seek medical attention rather than self-treating with over-the-counter ointments.
- MRSA infections can worsen quickly and may require drainage of the infection along with appropriate antibiotic therapy based on susceptibility testing.
- The use of Polysporin ointment is not recommended for MRSA infections due to its lack of effectiveness against this type of bacteria 1.
From the Research
Antibiotic Coverage for MRSA
- The provided studies do not specifically address the effectiveness of Polysporin (bacitracin/neomycin/polymyxin) against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, the studies discuss various antibiotics that are effective against MRSA, including vancomycin, teicoplanin, linezolid, tigecycline, telavancin, ceftaroline, and daptomycin 3, 4, 5.
- Some studies also mention the use of oral antibiotics such as clindamycin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, doxycycline, and minocycline for the treatment of MRSA infections, but note that the clinical data for their efficacy is limited 2, 4, 6.
- There is no mention of Polysporin (bacitracin/neomycin/polymyxin) in the provided studies as a treatment option for MRSA infections.
Effective Antibiotics for MRSA
- Vancomycin and teicoplanin are considered effective against MRSA 3, 4, 5.
- Linezolid, tigecycline, telavancin, ceftaroline, and daptomycin are also effective against MRSA, but may have limitations such as nephrotoxicity or require careful consideration of clinical status and susceptibility results 3, 4.
- Oral antibiotics such as clindamycin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, doxycycline, and minocycline may be used in certain cases, but their efficacy is not well established for MRSA pneumonia treatment 2, 4, 6.