Bacitracin
Description
The primary ingredient of Bacitracin is available as topical, ophthalmic, and parenteral forms. The topical form of this medicine is used for the prevention and treatment of bacterial infections associated with skin injuries, burns, cuts, etc. The ophthalmic form of this medicine is used for the treatment of bacterial infections of the eyes. The parenteral form of this medicine is used for the treatment of pneumonia or empyema (infection of the outer layer of the lungs) in neonates/infants. The topical form of this medicine is also used in combination with other medicines to treat bacterial skin infections.
QUICK LINKS:
Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Bacitracin
- Severe allergic reaction
- Diarrhea
- Itching and skin rash
- Blistering and peeling of skin
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Injection site pain
- Painful urination
- Eye irritation
- Blurred vision
Uses of Bacitracin
What is it prescribed for?
- Bacterial skin infections
- Pneumonia and empyema
- Bacterial eye infections
Read More
Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time taken by this medicine to show its effect is subject to vary based on the individual, strength, and form of administration.
- Duration of effectTopical forms: The amount of time for which this medicine remains active in the body is not clinically established. Ophthalmic form: The effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 5 to 8 hours. Parenteral form: The effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 6 to 8 hours.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before using/receiving this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before using/receiving this medicine.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use if you have a known allergy to Bacitracin or any other components present with it.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before using/receiving this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before using/receiving this medicine.
General warnings
Liver impairment
The parenteral form of this medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients with liver diseases due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Close monitoring of liver function is recommended during treatment with this medicine. Any unusual symptoms should be reported to the doctor immediately. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Kidney impairment
The parenteral form of this medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients with kidney diseases due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Close monitoring of kidney function is recommended during treatment with this medicine. Any unusual symptoms should be reported to the doctor immediately. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Drug-resistance
Usage of this medicine without sufficient proof or suspicion of a bacterial infection should be avoided. Irrational dosing might fail in providing benefits and may even cause toxicity. It may also increase the risk of development of bacteria that are drug resistant.
Diarrhea
Antibiotic therapy will cause an imbalance in the normal microbial flora of the large intestine, which may promote the growth of a bacteria called Clostridium difficile and you may experience severe diarrhea as a result. Report any such incidence to the doctor on priority and avoid usage of this medicine in such cases.
Other medicines
Bacitracin may interact with many other medicines and may cause severe adverse effects. Hence, it is advised that you inform the doctor about all your current medicines including any herbs and supplements before beginning treatment with this medicine.
Missed Dose
Injection: Since this medicine is administered by a qualified healthcare professional in the clinical or hospital setting, the likelihood of a missed dose is very low.
Topical forms: Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, then the missed dose can be skipped. Do not double the dose to compensate for the missed dose.
Eye ointment: Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed one.
Overdose
Injection: Since this medicine is administered in the hospital or clinical setting by a qualified healthcare professional, the likelihood of an overdose is very low. However, emergency medical treatment will be initiated by the doctor if an overdose is suspected.
Topical forms: An overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause severe symptoms. However, ingestion of this medicine may cause harm and immediate medical intervention may be required.
Eye ointment: Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Adefovir
Live vaccines
Tacrolimus
Gentamicin
Disease interactions
Colitis
The parenteral form of this medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients having a history of gastrointestinal diseases, particularly colitis, since it may worsen the patient's condition. Report any incidence of severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, blood in stools, etc. to the doctor immediately. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Injection: This medicine is usually administered in the clinical/hospital setting under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Follow all the instructions given by your doctor. Inform the doctor if you have a known allergy to this medicine. Report all your current medicines as well as your medical conditions to the doctor before receiving this medicine.
Topical forms: Apply this medicine to the affected area as instructed by the doctor. Follow all the usage instructions mentioned on the label or the package insert. Do not apply in larger or smaller quantities than recommended. Do not cover the application area with bandages or other coverings unless specifically instructed by the doctor.
Eye ointment: Use this medicine exactly as advised by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts than advised/prescribed. Consult the doctor if you experience any undesirable side effects. Ensure that the treatment course is completed. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Miscelleneous
How it works
This medicine kills bacteria by inhibiting bacterial cell wall formation.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Miscellaneous antibiotics, Topical anti-infectives, Ophthalmic anti-infectives
Schedule
Schedule H
Bacitracin - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2019 [cited 17 April 2019]. Available from:
Bacitracin Ophthalmic: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2019 [cited 23 May 2019]. Available from:
Bacitracin Topical: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2019 [cited 23 May 2019]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 3 Jun 2019
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.