Are Topical Antibiotics Safe (Not Ototoxic) — Can They Make Tinnitus Worse?

So I've been wondering this ever since I heard antibiotics were ototoxic.

Are the common triple action antibiotics which contain Neomycin safe to apply to cuts and such?

I read they're only ototoxic when ingested or injected into the vein but wouldn't applying it to a cut get it in your blood?

Obviously I'm no med student but I'm ultra paranoid these days. Anyone know?

 

I would think the amount you apply to a cut would be so minuscule that it wouldn't make one bit of difference. I wouldn't waste time worrying about it to be honest.

 

Don't know much about topical antibiotics, but I do know a lot, about tropical drinks! };-)

 

One is too many, a thousand are never enough.

 

Hi,

Are topical gel antibiotics safe?

I tried some of the gel on my scalp for some skin irritations but rinsed it off right away after remembering antibiotics might be dangerous for hearing.

Medicinal ingredients: Each gram contains: Polymyxin B sulfate 10,000 units, bacitracin zinc 500 units, gramicidin 0.25 mg. Non-medicinal ingredients (in alphabetical order): Vitamin E, white petrolatum.

 

It should be fine.

It's mainly high dose intravenous antibiotics to worry about.

Love,
Glynis

 

Hi there,

Does anyone know of any non-ototoxic topical antibiotics? I’m having a hard time searching for a definitive answer.

 

Looking up this as well as I have a cut that’s turning inflamed.