Hovid Neomycin 0.5% Cream

Hovid Neomycin 0.5% Cream contains neomycin sulfate 0.5%, a topical aminoglycoside antibiotic used to treat and prevent bacterial infection in minor skin wounds. It works by interfering with bacterial protein synthesis, which stops susceptible bacteria from multiplying and helps clear localised skin infections.

This cream is commonly used for minor cuts, grazes, abrasions, and small superficial skin infections where a topical antibiotic is appropriate, and is sold over the counter at Malaysian pharmacies as a single-agent topical antibiotic cream. While it does not require a doctor’s prescription, a pharmacist’s guidance is recommended before use, and a doctor should be consulted if a wound is large, deep, shows signs of spreading infection, or does not improve within a few days of treatment.

Neomycin sulfate is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that binds to the bacterial ribosome, disrupting protein synthesis in susceptible gram-negative and some gram-positive bacteria, which leads to bacterial cell death and helps control local infection on the skin surface where it is applied.

Clean the affected area gently with water and pat dry before use. Apply a thin layer of the cream to the affected skin, usually 2 to 3 times daily or as directed on the packaging or by a pharmacist or doctor, and cover with a clean dressing if appropriate.

For adults and children, apply a thin layer to the affected area 2 to 3 times daily for a maximum of about 7 to 10 days unless otherwise directed by a doctor. Treatment should not be continued for a prolonged period without medical review, as extended use of topical antibiotics can encourage resistant bacteria or fungal overgrowth.

Hovid Neomycin 0.5% Cream is generally stable for up to 2 to 3 years from the date of manufacture when unopened and stored correctly; always check the expiry date printed on the tube and carton before use.

Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and keep the tube tightly capped after each use. Keep out of the sight and reach of children at all times.

• Known hypersensitivity to neomycin, other aminoglycoside antibiotics, or any other ingredient in the cream
• Application to large areas of broken or damaged skin, especially in children, due to the potential for systemic absorption
• Application to the eyes or inside the ear if the eardrum is perforated, unless specifically directed by a doctor
• Use on deep or heavily contaminated wounds without medical assessment

• Other topical antibiotic products applied to the same area, which may increase the risk of irritation or resistance
• Other ototoxic or nephrotoxic medicines, which is a theoretical concern mainly with significant systemic absorption from extensive or prolonged use
• Topical corticosteroids used on the same site, which may mask signs of worsening infection

• Use only for minor, superficial skin infections or wounds
• Do not use for longer than the recommended duration without medical advice
• Clean the wound gently before each application
• Seek medical attention if the wound is deep, extensive, or shows signs of spreading infection such as increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or fever
• Stop use if a rash, increased irritation, or allergic reaction develops

Hovid Neomycin 0.5% Cream is intended for short-term use on minor, localised skin infections and is not suitable for deep wounds, burns, or extensive areas of damaged skin, where systemic absorption and the risk of side effects increase. As with any topical antibiotic, prolonged or repeated use beyond the recommended duration should be avoided to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance and skin sensitisation; if a wound or skin infection does not show improvement within a few days of consistent use, or appears to be worsening, medical advice should be sought.