Bacitracin is a polypeptide antibiotic that is obtained from the bacteria Bacillus subtilis and acts by preventing the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall, which is essential to maintain the structure and function of the bacterial cell. Bacitracin is usually available in an ointment and injection form, and according to information published by the pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, bacitracin should be used cautiously only to treat and prevent infections that have an established bacterial cause. Bacitracin is especially useful to treat infections caused by certain Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species.
Topical Uses
The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends the use of bacitracin to prevent infections of minor cuts, burns or scrapes on the skin. The site of injury should be cleaned and the prescribed amount of the ointment should be applied about one to three times a day or as prescribed by the physician. It is important to follow the instructions of the doctor thoroughly and extra medicine should never be applied to make up for a missed dose.
Mild side effects, such as itching and skin rash may occur in some cases. However, it is important to call the doctor immediately if swelling of face or hands occurs, or if chest tightness or breathlessness occurs.
Ophthalmic Use
Bacitracin is used in combination with two other antibiotics known as neomycin and polymyxin to treat eye infections. This combination drug occurs in ointment form and is available only with a physician's prescription. MayoClinic.com states that a 1-cm strip of the ointment should be applied with clean hands to the infected eye area. As with any antibiotic, it is important to go through the entire course of the therapy, even if the symptoms have reduced. The dosage depends on the severity of the infection and the strength of medication.
It is common to have blurring of vision for a few minutes after the application of the ointment. However, if other signs, such as itching, redness, rash or swelling occur, the doctor should be contacted immediately before continuing the use of the antibiotic.
Systemic Use
Sterile bacitracin is available for intramuscular administration. However, the information published by Pfizer indicates that intramuscular use of bacitracin is limited to the treatment of infants with staphylococcal pneumonia and empyema, which is the collection of pus in the space between the lungs and the chest wall. Since bacitracin has a narrow range of activity, it should be used cautiously and only when the cause of the infection has been clearly established.
Adverse reactions can some times occur, including nausea, vomiting, skin rash and pain at the site of the injection. More severe side effects include kidney toxicity and increasing blood levels and should be addressed by a physician immediately.
