How come on the package of antibiotic ointmentm, it says use no longer than a week?

Question

why? why cant i use it over a week?

Answer 1

What the other poster said, plus if you use any antibiotic for too long, your germs will build up resistance to that antibiotic.  I sometimes see patients come in who have been using an over the counter antibiotic ointment for years.  They will almost certainly have built up resistance & that is bad for the community as well as for the individuals.  When the bacteria eventually transfer over to another person, they will still be resistant to that antibiotic.

Answer 2

If it hasn't worked in a week you may have a more serious infection than you think and it should be treated by a doctor.

Answer 3

Normally, this warning would say something like,"If condition persists for more than a week, consult a doctor."

It's just to let you know that if your cut isn't healing within a week, there is something more serious going on.

Answer 4

First, if it hasn't worked in a week, it isn't likely to work later. Second, especially with "triple antibiotic ointment," there's a significant likelihood you'll develop a sensitivity to one of the components. Neomycin is famous for causing problems after a week's use, and there's nothing like having the drug you're using to treat a rash cause a rash.