Bacitracin

Information about Bacitracin

Bacitracin Uses

Bacitracin is used in the treatment of bacterial skin infections.

How Bacitracin works

Bacitracin is an antibiotic. It kills bacteria by preventing them from forming their own protective covering (cell wall) which is required for their survival in the human body.

Common side effects of Bacitracin

No common side effects seen
CONTENT DETAILS
Written By
Dr. Love Sharma
PhD (Pharmacology), PGDPRA
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated
18 Feb 2020 | 11:51 AM (UTC)

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Available Medicine for Bacitracin

Expert advice for Bacitracin

  • Bacitracin is used to treat bacterial skin infections.
  • You may have to use it for a long time before your infection starts to improve. Be patient and keep using it every day.
  • Apply it as a thin layer onto affected site on skin. 
  • It may cause minor burning, stinging, or irritation when applied. Inform your doctor if this does not go away.
  • Avoid contact with your eyes, nose or mouth. Rinse it off with water if you accidentally get the cream in these areas.
  • If you think the area of skin you are treating has become more irritated and infected, you should stop using Bacitracin and consult your doctor.

Frequently asked questions for Bacitracin

Bacitracin

Q. Is Bacitracin a penicillin?

No, Bacitracin is not a penicillin. Though both Bacitracin and penicillin are antibiotics, they have a different mechanism of killing the infection-causing bacteria. Bacitracin works by stopping the multiplication of the bacteria in our body, hence helping in controlling the infection. This medication is applied on minor skin infections which may occur due to small cuts or scrapes. Do not self-medicate and take the medicine exactly as recommended by the doctor, as unnecessary use or overuse of antibiotics can make the bacteria develop resistance, leading to decreased effectiveness.

Q. What type of bacteria does Bacitracin kill?

Bacitracin is an antibiotic that stops the growth of bacteria by inhibiting the formation of bacterial cell wall of various bacterial organisms leading to blockade of their growth. Though the effectiveness of the medication depends upon the sensitivity of the bacteria, Bacitracin is found to be more effective towards gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococci and Streptococci. The use of Bacitracin also controls the growth of gram-negative organisms such as Gonococci and Meningococci This medicine does not work against virus or fungus infections.

Q. How do you use Bacitracin?

Bacitracin is applied over the injured or wounded area. Clean the affected area properly and let it dry before you apply Bacitracin. Apply to affected area and the area surrounding it, but take care not to spread it to a wide area. The area with the medication may be covered with a clean dressing if required. Remember to follow the doctor’s advice strictly.

Q. How often should Bacitracin be applied?

Bacitracin is usually applied as a thin film over the affected area 2 to 3 times per day. The application should be limited to a maximum of 5 times per day depending upon the severity of the infection. Follow the instructions given by the doctor, and do not use it more often than prescribed instructions. Bacitracin should not be applied for more than 7 days unless prescribed by the doctor.

Q. Can Bacitracin be used in eyes?

Yes, Bacitracin is also available as an eye drop and ointment. It is used to treat various superficial eye infections and associated infections such as conjunctivitis, inflammation of the eyelids and cornea caused by microbes. Do consult your ophthalmologist before using this medication.

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