Osmosis video - Antibiotics - Topical: Nursing pharmacology

Topical antibiotics are a type of local antibiotics that are applied directly to the skin or mucous membranes to treat bacterial infections. They are usually in the form of creams, ointments, gels, sprays, or solutions. They work by killing or inhibiting the growth of bacteria on the skin's surface. Common topical antibiotics include mupirocin, neomycin, bacitracin, polymyxin B, mafenide acetate, and silver sulfadiazine.

Topical antibiotics are used to treat a variety of skin infections caused by bacteria, such as impetigo, folliculitis, and cellulitis. They are also used for prophylaxis of surgical site infections and for preventing the spread of infections in wounds and burns. While topical antibiotics are generally considered safe, they can sometimes cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, or antibiotic resistance if misused.