4 mins read

Overview: Topical bacitracin is used on minor cuts, scrapes, or burns to prevent an infection. It is an ointment that is applied to the skin. Topical bacitracin is usually well tolerated, and side effects are not common. Stop using this medicine and contact your health care provider if the affected area does not seem to be getting better, gets worse, or if you have itching, burning, or a rash where you are using it.

Uses

What is topical bacitracin used for?

Topical bacitracin is an antibiotic that is commonly used to help prevent minor cuts, scrapes, or burns from becoming infected.

Topical bacitracin may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does topical bacitracin work (mechanism of action)?

Topical bacitracin works by preventing certain types of bacteria from making their cell walls. Bacteria cannot live, grow, or multiply to cause an infection without their cell wall.

How is topical bacitracin supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Bacitracin

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 500 units/gram topical ointment

Bacitracin is also available in a form that is applied to the eye. See bacitracin ophthalmic for more information.

How should I store topical bacitracin?

Store topical bacitracin according to the instructions on the label. Most topical bacitracin products should be stored at room temperature, between 59 F and 77 F (15 C and 25 C). If you are not sure how to store your medicine, ask your pharmacist.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of topical bacitracin?

Topical bacitracin is usually well tolerated, and side effects are not common. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of topical bacitracin?

While less common, the most serious side effects of topical bacitracin are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Topical bacitracin may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using topical bacitracin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives, which can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use topical bacitracin?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use topical bacitracin.

  • Bacitracin
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific topical bacitracin products they stock.

What should I know about topical bacitracin before using it?

Follow the instructions on the product label or use this medicine as your health care provider recommends. Clean the area before using it. If you need to, you can cover the area with a bandage.

Keep topical bacitracin out of the reach of children.

Do not swallow topical bacitracin or get it in your eyes. It is only meant for use on the skin. Avoid using it on a large area of the body. If you are not sure if the affected area is too big to use topical bacitracin, ask your health care provider.

Unless your health care provider tells you otherwise, do not use topical bacitracin for more than one week. Using antibiotics for a long time can lead to resistance. This means the antibiotic may not work as well.

Stop using topical bacitracin and contact your health care provider if the affected area does not seem to be getting better or gets worse or you have itching, burning, or a rash where you apply it.

What should I tell my health care provider before using topical bacitracin?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if topical bacitracin is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Check with your health care provider before you use topical bacitracin for any of the following.

  • Deep puncture wound
  • Animal bite
  • Serious burn

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how topical bacitracin could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use topical bacitracin while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if topical bacitracin passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use topical bacitracin while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does topical bacitracin interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between topical bacitracin and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect topical bacitracin.

Does topical bacitracin interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between topical bacitracin and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much bacitracin?

If you or someone else has used too much topical bacitracin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of topical bacitracin?

Topical bacitracin is meant to be used only when needed. Use it as directed on the label or as your health care provider recommends. Do not use double or extra doses.