Framycetin: Uses, How It Works, Medicines
Framycetin is an antibiotic applied to the skin to treat bacterial skin infections and infected wounds or burns. It belongs to the aminoglycoside antibiotics and works only on bacteria, not on fungi or viruses. It is used on the skin only, for the time a doctor or the pack advises.
Also known as: Framycetin sulphate, Framycetin sulfate, Framycetin 1% cream, Soframycin, Framycin
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How does Framycetin work?
Framycetin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic. It attaches to the part of bacteria that builds proteins, so the bacteria cannot grow and many die.
How to take Framycetin
Follow the label or your doctor's advice. Framycetin cream is applied as a thin layer to the affected skin, and the doctor decides how often and for how long.
Side effects of Framycetin
Most people have no problems when framycetin is used on small areas of skin, but a few develop a local reaction.
Uncommon or mild
- Burning, stinging or itching where it is applied
- Redness or irritation of the skin
- Contact dermatitis (an itchy, red rash where the cream was applied)
Rare but serious: get medical help
- A spreading rash, swelling or hives, which may be an allergy. Stop using it and get medical help
- Swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing. Get medical help immediately
- Hearing changes or reduced urine after treating a very large area of skin
Who should be careful
Some people need to check with a doctor before using framycetin.
When the label says not to use it
- Allergy to framycetin or to the other ingredients of the product
- Infection with bacteria that framycetin does not kill
- Allergy to neomycin, kanamycin, paromomycin or other aminoglycosides: cross-reaction can happen
- Very large areas of skin, deep wounds or burns: some of the antibiotic can enter the blood and affect hearing and the kidneys
- Long use: it can let other organisms, including fungi, grow
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: ask a doctor first
- Keep it away from the eyes unless the pack says otherwise
Medicines and things that interact with Framycetin
Used on small areas of skin, framycetin is not known to interact with many medicines. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the creams and medicines you use.
- Other creams or ointments on the same area: ask a doctor or pharmacist before combining
- Other aminoglycoside antibiotics taken or injected: the risk of ear and kidney effects adds up if framycetin is absorbed from a large area
If someone takes too much
Applying a little too much to the skin is unlikely to be serious. If it is swallowed, or a very large amount is used on broken skin, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital and take the pack with you.
Regulatory status in India
Approved for sale in India as a prescription antibiotic skin cream. Framycetin does not appear as a single ingredient in the CDSCO list of medicines banned under section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Combination creams with other ingredients are treated differently, so check the ingredient list on the pack.
Type of medicine
Framycetin belongs to this type of medicine.
Medicines that contain Framycetin
These medicines sold in India contain Framycetin. They are listed A to Z, not ranked.
- Soframycin · 1% skin cream
What is Framycetin used for?
Medicines that contain Framycetin are used for these conditions.
Other medicines of the same type
These active ingredients are of the same type as Framycetin.
Common questions
What is framycetin cream used for?
Framycetin cream is an antibiotic applied to the skin to treat bacterial skin infections, including infected wounds and burns, when a doctor advises it. It does not work on fungal or viral skin problems such as ringworm or cold sores.
Is framycetin the same as neomycin?
No, but they are close relatives. Both are aminoglycoside antibiotics, and a person allergic to one can react to the other. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any earlier reaction to an antibiotic cream.
Sources
- Sofra-Tulle (framycetin sulphate 1%): prescribing information. Health Canada Drug Product Database (Searchlight Pharma monograph, 2022)
- Impetigo. NHS (UK)
- ATC/DDD Index: D09AA01 framycetin. WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology
- List of drugs prohibited for manufacture and sale through gazette notifications under section 26A of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act 1940. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)