Polyfax (20G) Skin Ointment

Overview

Polyfax 20g Skin Ointment is a topical antibacterial medicine used on the skin where superficial bacterial infection is present or likely to occur. It contains two antibacterial active ingredients: polymyxin B sulphate and bacitracin zinc. The ointment format helps keep the medicine in contact with the affected surface and is intended for external skin use only.

This product is commonly used for minor cuts, scratches, abrasions, minor or partial-thickness burns, infected superficial skin lesions, and skin areas that may be at risk of bacterial contamination after minor procedures. It should be used only as directed by a doctor, pharmacist, or the product leaflet, particularly when the affected area is large, raw, deep, worsening, or not improving.

Benefits

• Helps control susceptible bacteria on minor affected skin areas
• May help prevent infection in minor cuts, scratches, abrasions and burns when appropriate
• Provides topical antibacterial coverage through two active ingredients
• Useful for localized superficial skin concerns when professionally advised

Key Features

• 20g topical skin ointment
• Contains polymyxin B sulphate and bacitracin zinc
• External skin application only
• Used for superficial bacterial skin infection risk
• Ointment base helps maintain contact on the affected area

Dosage and How to Use

• How to use: Clean the affected area gently, remove debris where possible, apply a thin layer to the skin, and wash hands before and after use unless the hands are being treated. Do not apply to eyes, mouth, nose, deep wounds, or large raw areas unless medically advised.
• Administration: Topical external skin application only.
• Recommended dose: After cleaning the affected area, apply a thin film two or more times daily or exactly as directed by a physician or pharmacist.
• Adult dose: Apply a thin film to the affected area two or more times daily after cleaning, or as directed by a physician.
• Pediatric use: May be used in children when recommended, with caution to avoid excessive quantity, prolonged use, or large-area application.
• Elderly use: Use with caution in elderly patients, particularly where reduced kidney function may exist or large areas of damaged skin require treatment.
• When to take: Apply at evenly spaced times during the day according to the healthcare professional’s instructions or the product leaflet.
• With food: Not applicable; this is a topical skin ointment.
• Maximum daily dose: Do not exceed the amount or frequency recommended by a healthcare professional or product leaflet. Avoid excessive use, especially on large raw skin areas.
• Missed dose: Apply when remembered if it is still needed, then continue with the usual schedule. Do not apply extra ointment to make up for a missed application.
• Overdose: If excessive amounts are applied, especially to large raw skin areas, stop use and seek medical advice. Medical monitoring may be needed if systemic toxicity is suspected.

Specifications

Side Effects

Common side effects

• Local skin irritation
• Redness
• Itching
• Burning or stinging sensation
• Application-site rash

Serious side effects (seek medical help)

• Allergic hypersensitivity reaction
• Anaphylactic reaction
• Worsening infection
• Possible systemic toxicity if excessive amounts are absorbed from large raw skin areas

Allergic reaction

Discontinue immediately and seek medical help if rash, swelling, severe itching, breathing difficulty, dizziness, or signs of anaphylaxis occur.

Safety and Precautions

• For external skin use only
• Do not use in the eyes unless the product is specifically labelled for ophthalmic use
• Avoid use on large raw areas unless medically supervised
• Stop use and seek help if allergic reaction or worsening infection occurs
• Prolonged use may encourage resistant organisms or fungal overgrowth
• Use only as directed
• Consult a healthcare professional for deep wounds, severe burns, animal bites, spreading redness, fever, pus, or delayed healing
• Use caution in kidney impairment or when treating extensive damaged skin
• Avoid contamination of the tube tip
• Do not share the tube with others

When not to use

Do not use for deep wounds, severe burns, puncture wounds, animal bites, eye infections, or extensive raw skin unless advised by a healthcare professional. Do not use if allergic to any ingredient.

Special populations

• Pregnancy: Use during pregnancy only after medical advice, especially if applying to large, damaged, or raw skin areas where absorption may increase.
• Breastfeeding: Use during breastfeeding only after medical advice. Avoid applying to the breast area before nursing unless directed by a healthcare professional.
• Fertility: No specific fertility information is provided for this product.
• Kidney: Use caution in patients with impaired kidney function, particularly if applying to extensive raw skin where systemic absorption may occur.
• Driving: Not expected to affect driving or machine use when applied topically as directed.

Interactions

Drugs:

• If significant systemic absorption occurs, polymyxin B may intensify and prolong the respiratory depressant effects of neuromuscular blocking agents. Consult a healthcare professional if using other medicines or treating large raw skin areas.

Conditions:

• Kidney impairment and extensive raw or damaged skin may increase concern for systemic absorption and require medical supervision.

Storage and Disposal

• Store below 25°C unless the package states otherwise. Keep the tube tightly closed and protect from contamination.
• Do not store above 25°C unless the product packaging states otherwise.
• Keep out of the reach and sight of children.
• Do not use expired ointment. Dispose of unused or expired medicine according to local pharmacy guidance.

Disclaimer

This information is for educational product content only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always read the label and leaflet before use. Use only as directed. Consult a doctor or pharmacist before use in pregnancy, breastfeeding, children, kidney disease, allergies, large wounds, worsening infection, or non-healing skin conditions.