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Bacitracin

    Brands

    DEA Class; Rx

    Common Brand Names; BACiiM, Baciguent, Bacitracin Ophthalmic Ointment

    • Antibiotics, Other

    Ophthalmic, parenteral, and topical polypeptide antibiotic
    Used for superficial ocular infections involving the conjunctiva and/or cornea, infants with pneumonia and empyema due to susceptible staphylococci, and infection prevention in minor cuts, scrapes, or burns
    Active mainly against gram-positive bacteria

    Indicated for the prevention of skin and skin structure infections after a minor compromise in skin integrity such as minor burns or skin abrasion.

    For the treatment of superficial ophthalmic infection involving the conjunctiva (i.e., bacterial conjunctivitis) and/or cornea.
    For the treatment of pneumonia or pleural empyema caused by susceptible Staphylococci.
    For the treatment and eradication of enteric vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in the stool.

    Hypersensitivity

    • Nephrotoxic reactions including albuminuria, cylindruria, and azotemia
    • Nausea and vomiting
    • Itching
    • Nausea/vomiting
    • Blood dyscrasias
    • Diaphoresis
    • Pain at injection site
    • Rash
    • Itching
    • Pain
    • Hypersensitivity reaction (rare)

    Do not administer IV; severe thrombophlebitis could occur

    Prescribing in absence of proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection or prophylactic indication may not benefit patient and increases development of bacterial resistance

    Maintain adequate fluid intake

    Antibiotics may cause overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms, including fungi

    Pregnancy Category: C

    Lactation: Unknown whether distributed in breast milk

    Adults

    IM not recommended; however, 100,000 units/day IM (not to exceed 25,000 units/dose IM) has been used for the treatment of pneumonia.

    Geriatric

    IM not recommended; however, 100,000 units/day IM (not to exceed 25,000 units/dose IM) has been used for the treatment of pneumonia.

    Adolescents

    IM not recommended; specific dosing for adolescents not available(use Children dosing – 1200 units/kg/day IM has been used for the treatment of pneumonia.)

    Children

    IM not recommended; however, 1200 units/kg/day IM has been used for the treatment of pneumonia.

    Infants

    > 2.5 kg: 1000 units/kg/day IM.
    <= 2.5 kg: 900 units/kg/day IM.

    Bacitracin 

    ointment

    • 500unit/g

    ointment

    • 500 unit/g (3.5 g)