Bacitracin Ophthalmic Ointment (bacitracin ophthalmic) dosing, indications, interactions, adverse effects, and more

Sections

Sections bacitracin ophthalmic
Dosing & Uses
Adverse Effects
Warnings
Pregnancy
Pharmacology
Images
Patient Handout
Formulary

Dosing & Uses

AdultPediatric

Dosage Forms & Strengths

ointment

500 unit/g (3.5 g)

Ocular Infections

Apply 1/4 to 1/2 ribbon q3-4hr or q8-12hr for mild to moderate infections for 7-10 days

Dosage Forms & Strengths

ointment

500 unit/g (3.5 g)

Ocular Infections

Apply 1/4 to 1/2 ribbon q3-4hr or q8-12hr for mild to moderate infections for 7-10 days

Frequency Not Defined

Blurred vision

Eye irritation

Burning

Stinging & itching

Diaphoresis

Anorexia

Nausea

Blood dyscrasias

Pain

Diarrhea

Rectal itching

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity; atopic patients

Cautions

This drug should not be used in deep-seated ocular infections or in those that are likely to become systemic

May result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms including fungi, particularly Candida

If new infections develop during treatment appropriate antibiotic or chemotherapy should be instituted

Not recommended for use >1 wk unless directed by prescriber

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category: C

Lactation: Excretion in milk unknown; use with caution

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 amino acids and nucleotides into the growing cell wall

Pharmacokinetics

Duration: 5-8hr

Absorption: Poor

BRAND	FORM.	UNIT PRICE	PILL IMAGE
bacitracin intramuscular -	50,000 unit vial
bacitracin intramuscular -	50,000 unit vial
bacitracin intramuscular -	50,000 unit vial
bacitracin intramuscular -	50,000 unit vial
bacitracin intramuscular -	50,000 unit vial
bacitracin intramuscular -	50,000 unit vial
bacitracin topical -	500 unit/gram ointment
bacitracin topical -	500 unit/gram ointment
bacitracin topical -	500 unit/gram ointment
bacitracin topical -	500 unit/gram ointment
bacitracin ophthalmic (eye) -	500 unit/gram ointment

Patient Handout

Select a drug:

BACITRACIN - OPHTHALMIC

(BAS-i-TRAY-sin)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Baciguent

USES: This medication is an antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial eye infections. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.This medication treats only bacterial eye infections. It will not work for other types of eye infections. Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

HOW TO USE: Do not wear contact lenses while you are using this medicine. Sterilize contact lenses according to manufacturer's directions, and check with your doctor before you begin using them again.To apply eye ointments, wash hands first. To avoid contamination, be careful not to touch the tube tip or let it touch your eye. Tilt your head back, look upward, and gently pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Place a 1/4 to 1/2 inch (0.5 to 1.5 centimeter) strip of ointment into the pouch. Gently close the eye and roll the eyeball in all directions to spread the medication. Try not to blink and do not rub the eye.If you are treating an infection of the eyelid, first clean all scales and crusts away from the area before applying the eye ointment on the eyelid.Repeat these steps for your other eye if so directed. Apply the medication usually 1 to 3 times daily or as directed by your doctor.Wipe the tip of the ointment tube with a clean tissue to remove extra medication before recapping it.If you are using another kind of eye medication (such as drops or ointments), wait at least 5 to 10 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the drops to enter the eye.Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day.Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

SIDE EFFECTS: Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: burning/swelling/redness in or around the eye.Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a new fungal eye infection. Do not use this medication for longer than prescribed. Contact your doctor if you notice new or worsening symptoms.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), chest tightness, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using bacitracin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to neomycin; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history.After you apply this drug, your vision may become temporarily blurred. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires clear vision until you can do it safely.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

OVERDOSE: This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Throw away the unused medication after treatment is completed. Do not use it later for another infection unless your doctor tells you to.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from heat. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

Formulary

FormularyPatient Discounts

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View the formulary and any restrictions for each plan.
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The above information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. Individual plans may vary and formulary information changes. Contact the applicable plan provider for the most current information.

View explanations for tiers and restrictions

Tier	Description
1	This drug is available at the lowest co-pay. Most commonly, these are generic drugs.
2	This drug is available at a middle level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "preferred" (on formulary) brand drugs.
3	This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs.
4	This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
5	This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
6	This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
NC	NOT COVERED – Drugs that are not covered by the plan.

Code	Definition
PA	Prior Authorization Drugs that require prior authorization. This restriction requires that specific clinical criteria be met prior to the approval of the prescription.
QL	Quantity Limits Drugs that have quantity limits associated with each prescription. This restriction typically limits the quantity of the drug that will be covered.
ST	Step Therapy Drugs that have step therapy associated with each prescription. This restriction typically requires that certain criteria be met prior to approval for the prescription.
OR	Other Restrictions Drugs that have restrictions other than prior authorization, quantity limits, and step therapy associated with each prescription.

Medscape prescription drug monographs are based on FDA-approved labeling information, unless otherwise noted, combined with additional data derived from primary medical literature.

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