BACITRACIN
13 Jun 2019
Generic Name : BACITRACIN (INJECTION)
ABSTRACT –
Bacitracin is an antibiotic injection used to treat pneumonia and empyema in infants, infections caused by the staphylococci bacteria and other infections that cause a pus build-up between the lungs and the covering membrane. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of the bacterial cell walls by preventing the transfer of mucopeptides into these walls. This drug is generally used in the injection form. Topical drug is used to treat minor cuts and scrapes by working against the bacteria that causes them, while ophthalmic drug is used to treat bacterial infections of the eye.
DOSAGE –
- Follow the doctor’s instructions strictly with regards to administering this drug.
- There are topical and ophthalmic forms to this drug. Consult your doctor as to which form of dosage will be best suited for treatment.
- Bacitracin (injection) is to be administered by a doctor, into a muscle.
- Bacitracin (ophthalmic) is administered in the standard ophthalmic ointment administering manner. It is generally applied three times a day.
- Bacitracin (topical) is administered on the affected area on the skin three times a day.
- Kidney testing is to be done daily during the course of this drug (injection.)
- General dosage Injection – 50,000 units (1ea)
SIDE EFFECTS –
- Rising blood concentrations of the drug
- Nephrotoxicity
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Pain at the site of injection
- Rashes
- Allergic reactions such as difficulty in breathing, hives or rashes
- Diarrhea or bloody excrement
- Abnormal discharge
DRUG INTERACTIONS –
- Neomycin
- Adefovir
- Cholera vaccine/li>
- Cidofovir
- Deferasiroxs
- Dentamicin
- Iodamide
- Iopamidol
- Metrizamide
- Plazomicin
- Sirolimus
MILD INTERACTIONS OF BACITRACIN ARE:
- Balsalazide
- Capreomycin
- Clofarabine
- Doxacurium
- Entecavir
- Mesalamine
- Metocurine
- Olsalazine
- Rapacuronium
- Tulbocurarine
PRECAUTIONS –
- Test patient’s kidneys daily to observe changes, as Bacitracin affects the kidneys and discharge.
- Patients must be hospitalized during the course of Bacitracin.
- Do not skip doses or terminate course until advised so.
- This drug may harm an infant’s kidneys adversely, especially in the presence of other antibiotics or medical conditions. Notify a doctor of detailed and accurate medical history before drug prescription, especially in case of pre-existing kidney problems or on-course antibiotics.
- Do not use ophthalmic Bacitracin in case of a viral or fungal infection in the eye.
- Do not use bacitracin topical in case of deep skin wounds, animal bites or severe burns.
WARNINGS –
- Viral infections cannot be treated by Bacitracin.
- Notify a doctor immediately in case of diarrhea or bloody discharge, as antibiotic medicines can cause this – especially in infants.
- Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.