bacitracin topical (OTC)

Frequency Not Defined

Rash

Itching

Pain

Hypersensitivity reaction (rare)

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity

Use in eyes or in external ear canal if eardrum perforated

Cautions

Do not use for longer than 1 week unless directed by a clinician

Minor skin irritation, rash, and allergic contact dermatitis or other hypersensitivity reactions reported

Topical anti-infectives are known contact sensitizers

Patients sensitive to bacitracin may also have cross-sensitivity to polymyxin B

Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, reported rarely following topical application to skin

Consider that patients allergic to bacitracin may have delayed cell-mediated contact dermatitis reactions or immediate IgE-mediated (eg, anaphylactic) reactions to the drug

Prolonged use of topical anti-infectives may promote bacterial resistance and should be avoided; overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms, including fungi, may occur

If itching, burning, rash, or any other signs of sensitivity or allergic reaction occur, discontinue use and consult a clinician

Pregnancy

Some manufacturers advise pregnant patients to consult a clinician before using topical preparations containing this drug

Lactation

Not known whether topical bacitracin is distributed in milk

Some manufacturers advise breastfeeding women to consult a clinician before using topical preparations containing this drug

Some experts consider this drug compatible with nursing

Pregnancy Categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

Mechanism of Action

Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis, by preventing the incorporation of mucopeptides into the growing cell wall

Absorption

Not substantially absorbed from intact or denuded skin, wounds, or mucous membranes