Welcome to our comprehensive guide on Bacitracin, a topical antibiotic used to treat bacterial skin infections. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about Bacitracin, including its uses, dosage, side effects, and precautions. Our goal is to provide you with the most detailed and accurate information possible to help you make informed decisions about your health.

INDICATIONS of Bacitracin

Bacitracin is indicated in topical formulations for acute and chronic localized skin infections. Occasionally, it is also used intramuscularly for infantile streptococcal pneumonia and empyema. Bacitracin is also formulated as an ointment with neomycin and polymyxin B for over the counter use.4,10 A bacitracin ointment formulated with neomycin and polymyxin B along with hydrocortisone is indicated for the treatment of corticosteroid responsive dermatoses with secondary infection.

DOSAGES OF BACITRACIN

Child dose

Pediatric Dosage Forms and Strengths

Lyophilized powder for injection solution

50,000 units/vial
Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

Pneumonia or Empyema

  • So, Use is limited to neonates/infants with pneumonia or empyema caused by susceptible strains of Sstaphylococci when less toxic antibiotics would not be effective
  • Under 2.5 kg: 900 units/kg/day intramuscularly (IM) divided every 8-12 hours
  • 2.5 kg or greater: 1,000 units/kg/day intramuscularly (IM) divided every 8-12 hours
  • Children: 800-1200 units/kg/day divided every 8 hours
  • Administer intramuscularly (IM) in upper outer quadrant of the buttocks, alternating right and left and avoid multiple injections in the same region.
  • Adult: Not indicated

Staphylococcal infections
Child: Infant ≤2.5 kg: 900 U/kg daily in 2 or 3 divided doses; >2.5 kg: 1,000 U/kg daily in 2 or 3 divided doses.

Ophthalmic
Ophthalmic infections
Adult: Apply thinly to conjunctival sac 1-3 times daily.
Child: Same as adult dose.

Topical/Cutaneous
Local infections
Adult: Apply thinly to affected area 1-3 times daily.
Child: Same as adult dose.

Administration of Bacitracin

No data is available.

Contraindication of Bacitracin

Bacitracin should not be use in patients with a history of hypersensitivity in this product.

Side Effect

<1% Allergic contact dermatitis, Conjunctival erythema, Swelling, Burning.

Precautions & warnings of Bacitracin

  • Do not administer intravenously; severe thrombophlebitis could occur.
  • As well as 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.
  • Also Antibiotics may cause overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms, including fungi.

Pregnancy & Lactation of Bacitracin

Pregnancy Category – C

Basically, Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well – controlled studies in human. But potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

Lactation : Unknown if distributed in breast milk.

Therapeutic Class

Ophthalmic Anti-bacterial product.

Mode of Action of Bacitracin

Bacitracin, Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis and is active against many gram-positive bacteria ( e. g. staphylococci, corynebacterial and clostridia) and some gram-negative species ( e.g. Neisseria and Haemophilus influenzae).

They are often found in combinations in topical preparations as broad spectrum antibacterial agents. So, Polymyxin B disrupts the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane of mostly gm-ve organisms allowing leakage of intracellular constituents by binding to membrane phospholipids.

DRUG INTERACTION

Bacitracin has no known severe, serious, moderate, or mild interactions with other drugs.

Conclusion

So, Bacitracin is a highly effective topical antibiotic use to treat bacterial skin infections. Its broad-spectrum activity and low incidence of side effects make it a popular choice for dermatologists and other healthcare professionals. But If you are experiencing a bacterial skin infection, Bacitracin may be the right treatment for you.

So, This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects.

However, as with all medications, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and to report any side effects or concerns to your healthcare provider. Thank you for reading our guide on Bacitracin, we hope you found it helpful.

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