Baciguent topical

Absorption

Bioavailability

Not absorbed to any appreciable extent from intact or denuded skin, wounds, or mucous membranes.a

Storage

Topical

15–30°C.a

2–15°C; protect from direct sunlight.a

Compatibility

For information on systemic interactions resulting from concomitant use, see Interactions.

Topical

• Polypeptide antibiotic produced by Bacillus subtilis; consists of 3 separate compounds, bacitracin A (chief constituent), B, and C.a

• Bactericidal or bacteriostatic, depending on concentration attained at infection site and infecting organism’s susceptibility.a

• Inhibits bacterial cell-wall synthesis, damages the bacterial plasma membrane and is active against protoplasts.a

• Active against many gram-positive organisms such as staphylococci (including some penicillin-resistant staphylococci), streptococci, anaerobic cocci, corynebacteria, and clostridia; in vitro, bacitracin 0.05–5 mcg/mL inhibits most susceptible strains of Staphylococcus aureus.a

• Active against gonococci, meningococci, and fusobacteria, but not most other gram-negative organisms.a

• Also active against Actinomyces israelii, Treponema pallidum, and T. vincenti.a

• The activity of bacitracin is not impaired by blood, pus, necrotic tissue, or large inocula.a

• In susceptible bacteria, bacitracin resistance seldom occurs; if it does occur, it emerges slowly.a

• Staphylococci, including penicillin-resistant staphylococci, are increasingly becoming resistant.a

• No cross-resistance with other antibiotics.a

• Importance of discontinuing bacitracin and consulting a clinician if itching, burning, inflammation, or other signs of sensitivity occur.a

• Importance of understanding that topical bacitracin preparations are intended for external use only.a

• Importance of not using in the eyes or applying over large areas of the body.

• Importance of first consulting a clinician when considering use for self-medication for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.a

• Importance of discontinuing use and consulting a clinician if condition persists or worsens when used to prevent infection in minor skin injuries (e.g., cuts, scrapes, burns).a

• Importance of not using for >1 week unless directed by a clinician.a

• Importance of women informing clinicians if they are or plan to become pregnant or plan to breast-feed.

• Importance of informing patients of other important precautionary information.a (See Cautions.)

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.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

The effects of some drugs can change if you take other drugs or herbal products at the same time. This can increase your risk for serious side effects or may cause your medications not to work correctly. These drug interactions are possible, but do not always occur. Your doctor or pharmacist can often prevent or manage interactions by changing how you use your medications or by close monitoring.

To help your doctor and pharmacist give you the best care, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before starting treatment with this product. While using this product, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any other medicines you are using without your doctor's approval.

Keep a list of all the products you use. Share the list with your doctor and pharmacist to reduce your risk for serious medication problems.