What is Bacitracin?
Bacitracin is a prescription antibiotic that is used to relieve the effects of skin infections. Bacitracin may be used on its own or in combination with other drugs. Bacitracin belongs to the Antibacterials. Bacitracin works by preventing bacteria from developing.
Bacitracin Uses
Minor skin infections caused by minor cuts, scrapes, or burns are treated with this medicine. Bacitracin works by preventing such bacteria from developing. It belongs to the antibiotics family of medicines. This antibiotic just works to prevent bacteria. It won't work if you have a virus or fungus infection. Antibiotics may lose their efficacy if they are used excessively or unnecessarily. This substance should not be used on large areas of the body. It should not be used to treat severe skin infections. Before using bacitracin for severe injuries of the skin, consult your doctor first (such as deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, serious burns). For these types of conditions, a different treatment might be needed. For more details, speak to your doctor. If you're self-treating with this drug, make sure to read the package directions thoroughly before using it to ensure that it's right for you.
How to use Bacitracin Ointment
This medicine is supposed to be used on the skin only. Follow all instructions on the product box if you're self-treating. Consult with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns.
Before using this ointment, wash your face. Properly clean the affected area and dry it, then gently apply a small amount of medicine (no more than can fit on your fingertip) in a thin film, apply it 1 to 3 times a day, or as instructed by your doctor, If you're using the spray bottle, give it a good shake before each use. A sterile bandage should be used to protect the wound. After each use, wash your hands.
Keep this drug away from your eyes, nose, and mouth. If this happens, wash the medicine off and thoroughly clean it with water.
To get the most benefit from this drug, take it on a daily basis. Use it at the same time every day to help you recall. Do not use this drug in larger doses, more often, or for longer than recommended. Your condition will not improve any faster, and you will experience more side effects. Do not use this product for more than one week.
If the condition continues or worsens after a few days, or if you experience a rash or an allergic reaction, stop taking this drug and call your doctor right away. If you believe you have a serious medical condition, seek medical care right away.
Bacitracin Side effects
Minor skin infections caused by minor cuts, scrapes, or burns are treated with this medicine. Bacitracin works by preventing such bacteria from developing. It belongs to the antibiotics family of medicines. This antibiotic just works to prevent bacteria. It won't work if you have a virus or fungus infection. Antibiotics may lose their efficacy if they are used excessively or unnecessarily. This substance should not be used on large areas of the body. It should not be used to treat severe skin infections. Before using bacitracin for severe injuries of the skin, consult your doctor first (such as deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, serious burns). For these types of conditions, a different treatment might be needed. For more details, speak to your doctor. If you're self-treating with this drug, make sure to read the package directions thoroughly before using it to ensure that it's right for you.
- Allergic reaction
- Serious allergic reaction
- Rash
- Itching
- Hives
- Swelling
- Severe dizziness
- Trouble breathing
Precautions
If you are allergic to bacitracin or neomycin, or if you have any other allergies, tell your doctor or pharmacist before using it. Inactive ingredients might be present in this product, causing allergic reactions or other issues.
Inform your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history or any specific health condition you had earlier, before taking this drug.
This drug should only be taken during pregnancy if prescribed by your doctor. Consult your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medicine
It is uncertain whether this drug passes through breastmilk or not. Before breastfeeding consult your doctor.
Interactions
If you take other drugs or herbal products at the same time, the effects of some drugs can change. This can put you at risk for severe side effects or prevent your drugs from working properly. These drug interactions can happen.
Before beginning treatment for this medication, be sure to notify your doctor and pharmacist about all the medications you use so they can provide you with the best care possible. Do not start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any other medicines you are taking while using this product without consulting your doctor.
Missed dose
As soon as you remember it, take the missed dose. If the next dose is near, skip the missed dose and return to the daily dosing schedule. To make up for a missed dose, do not add a second dose.
Overdose
Never use more than what is prescribed to you. Overdose can cause some serious allergic reactions. Also if you have taken an overdose, seek medical help.
Storage
Keep this drug securely closed in the bottle it came in and out of the reach of children. It should be kept at room temperature, far from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
Unused drugs should be disposed of in a specific manner to prevent pets, infants, and others from ingesting them. You should not, however, flush this drug down the toilet.
Bacitracin vs Neosporin
Bacitracin | Neosporin |
---|---|
Bacitracin is a brand-name drug that only uses bacitracin as an active ingredient. | Neosporin is the brand name for a drug that includes bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin b as active ingredients. Other Neosporin products are available, but their active ingredients are different. |
Bacitracin's antibiotic inhibits bacterial growth | While Neosporin's antibiotics inhibit bacterial growth while still killing established bacteria. |
Bacitracin is used to treat minor skin injuries only. | Neosporin treats more kinds of bacteria than Bacitracin does. |