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Overview: Bacitracin ophthalmic is an antibiotic eye ointment used to treat certain eye infections caused by bacteria. It stops the growth of certain types of bacteria by blocking their ability to build a cell wall. Common side effects may include blurred vision and eye irritation or itching. Call your health care provider if your eye infection does not get better or worsens while using this medicine.

Uses

What is bacitracin ophthalmic (eye) used for?

Bacitracin ophthalmic is commonly used for certain eye infections caused by bacteria.

Bacitracin ophthalmic may not be the right drug for some of the infections listed above, depending on which germs are causing the infection. Bacteria in some locations may have developed resistance to bacitracin ophthalmic, which will make it not work as well.

Bacitracin ophthalmic may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does bacitracin ophthalmic work (mechanism of action)?

Bacitracin ophthalmic is an antibiotic eye ointment. It stops the growth of certain types of bacteria by blocking their ability to build a cell wall.

How is bacitracin ophthalmic supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Baciguent

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 500 units per gram ophthalmic ointment

Bacitracin is also available in a form that is applied to the skin. See Bacitracin topical for more information. 

How should I store bacitracin ophthalmic?

Bacitracin ophthalmic should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Keep the medicine container tightly closed until you are ready to use it.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of bacitracin ophthalmic?

The most common side effects of bacitracin ophthalmic are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Blurred vision
  • Eye burning, irritation, or stinging
  • Eye itching

There may be other side effects of bacitracin ophthalmic that are not listed here. 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 bacitracin ophthalmic?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Bacitracin ophthalmic may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using bacitracin ophthalmic 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, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Another Infection With Prolonged Use. Using bacitracin ophthalmic for a prolonged period of time may lead to an infection with other types of germs, such as fungi. Call your health care provider if your eye infection does not get better or gets worse.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use bacitracin ophthalmic?

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

  • Baciguent
  • Bacitracin
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

What should I know about bacitracin ophthalmic before using it?

Do not use bacitracin ophthalmic unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share bacitracin ophthalmic with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep bacitracin ophthalmic out of the reach of children.

Bacitracin ophthalmic should only be applied to the surface of the eye. Do not touch the tip of the container to your eye or any other surface, including your finger. Do not inject bacitracin ophthalmic into the eye. Ask your pharmacist or other health care provider how to use bacitracin ophthalmic properly.

You may have blurred vision for a short time after using bacitracin ophthalmic. Do not drive or do other activities that require clear vision until you know how bacitracin ophthalmic affects you.

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

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 determine if bacitracin ophthalmic is right for you.

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

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how bacitracin ophthalmic could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. 

Breastfeeding. It is not known if bacitracin ophthalmic passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does bacitracin ophthalmic interact with foods or drinks?

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

There are no known interactions between bacitracin ophthalmic and alcohol, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infection.

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

There are no known interactions between bacitracin ophthalmic 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 ophthalmic?

If you or someone else has used too much bacitracin ophthalmic, 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 bacitracin ophthalmic?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

It is important to complete your prescribed course of bacitracin ophthalmic, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are resistant to bacitracin ophthalmic or other similar medicines.