What Is Cortisporin? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Cortisporin Is a Prescription Combination of Neomycin, Polymyxin B, and Hydrocortisone Used to Treat Bacterial Infections of the Ear, Eye, and Skin

Whether your doctor just prescribed Cortisporin or you're researching it before an appointment, this guide gives you a clear, complete picture of what this medication is, what it treats, how to use it, and what it costs in 2026.

What Is Cortisporin?

Cortisporin is a brand-name prescription medication that combines three active ingredients:

• Neomycin — an aminoglycoside antibiotic
• Polymyxin B — a polypeptide antibiotic
• Hydrocortisone — a corticosteroid anti-inflammatory

This triple combination fights bacterial infection with two different antibiotics while simultaneously reducing inflammation, swelling, itching, and pain with the steroid component.

Brand Names and Formulations

Cortisporin is available under several brand names and formulations:

• Cortisporin Otic — ear drops (solution and suspension)
• Cortisporin-TC Otic — ear drops with a modified formulation
• Cortisporin Ophthalmic — eye drops
• Cortisporin Cream/Ointment — for skin infections
• Casporyn HC, Oticair, Otocort — other brand names for similar formulations

The original brand-name Cortisporin was manufactured by Monarch Pharmaceuticals (later Endo Pharmaceuticals), with some formulations by Pfizer. Brand-name Cortisporin has been discontinued, but generic versions of Neomycin/Polymyxin B/Hydrocortisone are widely available.

Drug Class and Schedule

Cortisporin belongs to the class of otic steroids with anti-infectives — combination antibiotic and corticosteroid preparations. It is not a controlled substance and has no DEA scheduling, which means it can be prescribed through telehealth and does not require special prescribing procedures.

What Is Cortisporin Used For?

Cortisporin is FDA-approved for several conditions:

Primary Uses (FDA-Approved)

• Otitis externa (swimmer's ear) — the most common use. This is a bacterial infection of the external ear canal that causes pain, swelling, and discharge.
• Superficial bacterial infections of the external ear canal
• Steroid-responsive inflammatory eye conditions with bacterial infection (ophthalmic formulation)
• Corticosteroid-responsive skin conditions with secondary bacterial infection (cream/ointment)

Off-Label Uses

Doctors sometimes prescribe Cortisporin for:

• Chronic suppurative otitis media
• Post-tympanostomy tube otorrhea prophylaxis (after ear tube surgery)
• Mild external ear canal eczema with secondary infection

How Is Cortisporin Taken?

The dosage and method depend on which formulation you're using:

Ear Drops (Otic)

• Adults: 4 drops in the affected ear, 3–4 times daily
• Children: 3 drops in the affected ear, 3–4 times daily
• Duration: Up to 10 days (do not use longer without doctor's guidance)

How to apply ear drops:

1. Clean and dry the ear canal
2. Shake the bottle (if suspension)
3. Tilt your head so the affected ear faces up
4. Instill the prescribed number of drops
5. Keep your head tilted for 5 full minutes to let the medication absorb
6. You can place a cotton ball loosely in the ear if directed by your doctor

Tip: Warm the bottle in your hand for 1–2 minutes before use. Cold drops can cause stinging and dizziness.

Eye Drops (Ophthalmic)

• 1–2 drops in the affected eye every 3–4 hours
• Shake well before each use
• Tilt head back, pull down lower eyelid, instill drops
• Avoid touching the dropper tip to your eye

Cream or Ointment (Topical)

• Apply a thin layer to the affected area 2–4 times daily
• Do not cover with tight bandages unless directed by your doctor
• Do not apply to large areas of skin

Who Should Not Take Cortisporin?

Cortisporin is not safe for everyone. Do not use Cortisporin if you have:

• Allergy to Neomycin, Polymyxin B, or Hydrocortisone — Neomycin allergy affects 6–8% of people
• Perforated eardrum — Cortisporin Otic solution should not be used because it can cause ototoxicity (hearing damage) if the medication reaches the inner ear
• Viral ear infections — including herpes simplex, vaccinia, or varicella
• Fungal ear infections — antibiotics won't help and may worsen fungal infections

Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or breastfeeding (Cortisporin is Pregnancy Category C) or if you have kidney problems (Neomycin can be nephrotoxic with prolonged use).

For a complete list of potential risks, see our guide on Cortisporin side effects.

How Much Does Cortisporin Cost?

Here's what you can expect to pay in 2026:

• Generic Neomycin/Polymyxin B/Hydrocortisone Otic: $40–$152 cash price
• With discount coupons (GoodRx, SingleCare, RxSaver): $25–$31
• With insurance: $5–$20 copay (generic typically covered as preferred generic)
• Cortisporin-TC Otic: $234–$350 cash price (may require prior authorization)

The generic version is significantly more affordable and is therapeutically equivalent. Most pharmacies automatically dispense the generic unless your doctor specifies brand-name only.

For detailed savings strategies, read our guide on how to save money on Cortisporin.

Availability in 2026

Brand-name Cortisporin has been discontinued, but generic versions are available. However, supply can be inconsistent — Cortisporin-TC has appeared on the FDA drug shortage list periodically.

If your pharmacy is out of stock, use Medfinder to find a nearby pharmacy that has it, or check our guide on how to check pharmacy stock without calling. If it's unavailable everywhere, your doctor can prescribe an alternative medication like Ofloxacin Otic ($10–$30) or Ciprodex.

Final Thoughts

Cortisporin is an effective, well-established treatment for bacterial ear infections, eye infections, and certain skin conditions. It combines two antibiotics with a steroid to fight infection and reduce inflammation at the same time. While the brand name is discontinued, generic versions are available and affordable — especially with discount coupons.

The most important things to remember: don't use it with a perforated eardrum, mention any Neomycin allergies to your doctor, and complete your full course of treatment. If you have questions about how this medication works in your body, read our explainer on how Cortisporin works.

Ready to fill your prescription? Search Medfinder to find Cortisporin in stock near you.