Bacitracin (Ophthalmic)

Name: Bacitracin (Ophthalmic)

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.

Drug interactions

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use.Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

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 and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Bacitracin?

  • Tell all of your health care providers that you take bacitracin. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
  • Use care when driving or doing other tasks that call for clear eyesight.
  • Do not use longer than you have been told. A second infection may happen.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this medicine while you are pregnant.
  • Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

Pharmacologic Category

  • Antibiotic, Ophthalmic

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to bacitracin or any component of the formulation

Adverse Reactions

1% to 10%: Hypersensitivity: Hypersensitivity reaction (7% [Hätinen, 1985])

Postmarketing and/or case reports (Limited to important or life-threatening): Contact dermatitis (Pichichero, 2011)

What is bacitracin ophthalmic?

Bacitracin is an antibiotic that kills bacteria.

Bacitracin ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat bacterial infections of the eyes.

Bacitracin ophthalmic may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

How should I use bacitracin ophthalmic?

Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Wash your hands before using bacitracin ophthalmic ointment.

You may warm the ointment by holding the medicine tube in your hand for a few minutes before use. Tilt your head back slightly and pull down gently on your lower eyelid. Apply a thin film of the ointment into your lower eyelid. Close your eye and roll your eyeball around for 1 to 2 minutes.

Do not allow the tip of the ointment tube to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.

Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Bacitracin will not treat a viral or fungal infection of the eye.

Store bacitracin ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the tube tightly capped when not in use.

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 portion after treatment is completed. Do not use it later for another infection. A different medication may be necessary in that case.

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 and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from heat. Keep all medicines 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 for more details about how to safely discard your product.Information last revised July 2016. Copyright(c) 2016 First Databank, Inc.

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