What is Bacitracin: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 12, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Bacitracin overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Baciguent

Generic Names:

  • Bacitracin

Uses:

  • Treats infections of your eyelid or cornea (surface of your eye).

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antibiotic

Forms:

  • Ointment

How it’s taken:

  • Into the eye

What is Bacitracin used for?

Bacitracin comes in the form of an eyedrop and treats cornea and eyelid infections by stopping bacteria growth that infects the surface of the eye. Typical symptoms include itching, redness and swelling.

What form(s) does Bacitracin come in

  • Ointment

What are common Bacitracin doses?

  • Tube 3.5GM of 500UNIT/GM

  • Tube 14GM of 500UNIT/GM

  • Tube 15GM of 500UNIT/GM

  • Tube 28GM of 500UNIT/GM

  • Tube 28.399999618530273GM of 500UNIT/GM

  • Tube 30GM of 500UNIT/GM

  • Package 1 Ointment

  • Solution Reconstituted 50000UNIT

Common Bacitracin prescriptions

  • Bacitracin
    144 ointment box

  • Bacitracin
    1 ointment package

  • Bacitracin
    50000unit solution reconstituted

  • Bacitracin
    15gm of 500unit/gm tube

  • Bacitracin
    28.4gm of 500unit/gm tube

  • Bacitracin
    28gm of 500unit/gm tube

  • Bacitracin
    14.2gm of 500unit/gm tube of ointment

  • Bacitracin
    14gm of 500unit/gm tube of ointment

  • Bacitracin
    1gm of 500unit/gm tube of ointment

  • Bacitracin
    28.4gm of 500unit/gm tube of ointment

  • Bacitracin
    3.5gm of 500unit/gm tube of ointment

How to take Bacitracin

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Ophthalmic routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.

  • Use a clean cotton ball or soft cloth to remove any scaling or crusting on your eyelids before you use the medicine.

  • Ophthalmic routeLie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.

  • Ophthalmic routeTo use the ointment: Hold the tip of the tube close to your eye with the other hand. Avoid touching the tip of the tube to your eye or finger. Squeeze a ribbon of ointment into the pocket between your lower lid and eyeball. Close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Wipe the tip with a clean tissue and close the tube tightly. Keep the tube tightly closed when you are not using it.

  • Do not use this medicine for longer than your doctor tells you to.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Use a clean cotton ball or soft cloth to remove any scaling or crusting on your eyelids before you use the medicine.

  • Do not use this medicine for longer than your doctor tells you to.

  • Ophthalmic routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.

  • Ophthalmic routeTo use the ointment: Hold the tip of the tube close to your eye with the other hand. Avoid touching the tip of the tube to your eye or finger. Squeeze a ribbon of ointment into the pocket between your lower lid and eyeball. Close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Wipe the tip with a clean tissue and close the tube tightly. Keep the tube tightly closed when you are not using it.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Ophthalmic routeLie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Bacitracin contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to bacitracin.

Bacitracin warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Bacitracin interactions

  • Do not use any other eyedrops or medicine in your eyes unless your doctor tells you to.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Bacitracin side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Worsening eye discomfort or irritation

  • Increased redness, puffiness, or crusting of your eyelids