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Topical nasal antiseptic/antibiotic

Chlorhexidine with neomycin

Brand names: Naseptin

A combined topical antiseptic-antibacterial preparation of chlorhexidine with the aminoglycoside neomycin, used for the prevention and treatment of superficial skin and nasal bacterial colonisation.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

Chlorhexidine disrupts microbial cell membranes with persistent surface activity, while neomycin binds the bacterial ribosome to inhibit protein synthesis against susceptible organisms including Staphylococcus aureus.

Prescribing in practice

  • Topical neomycin is a frequent cause of contact allergic sensitisation, and absorption from large or broken areas risks oto- and nephrotoxicity, so use should be limited in area and duration.
  • Avoid chlorhexidine contact with the eyes, middle ear and meninges.
  • Do not apply over extensive denuded skin where systemic aminoglycoside absorption could occur.

Monitoring

Review the treated area for irritation or contact allergy and limit application to small intact areas for short courses.

Counselling the patient

  • Stop and seek advice if the skin becomes more red, itchy or sore, which may indicate an antibiotic allergy.
  • Apply only as directed and keep away from the eyes and ears.

Evidence & guidelines

Cautions on neomycin sensitisation and systemic aminoglycoside toxicity follow the SPC and standard dermatology references.

Reference: Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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