Poly Bacitracin topical

This combination product is used to treat minor wounds (e.g., cuts, scrapes, burns) and to help prevent or treat mild skin infections. Minor skin infections and wounds usually heal without treatment, but some minor skin wounds may heal faster when an antibiotic is applied to the affected area. This product contains antibiotics that work by slowing or stopping the growth of bacteria.

How to use Poly Bacitracin 500 Unit-10,000 Unit/Gram Topical Ointment

This medication is for use on the skin only. Follow all directions on the product package, or use as directed by your doctor. Wash your hands before using. Avoid getting this product in your eyes or inside the mouth. If this occurs, wipe off the medication and rinse thoroughly with water. Do not use inside the nose unless directed by your doctor.

Clean and dry the affected area as directed. If you are using the ointment or cream, apply a small amount of the medication in a thin layer on the skin, usually 1 to 3 times daily or as directed by your doctor. Rub in gently if your condition permits. If you are using the powder, apply a light dusting of the powder on the area. Cover with a bandage if directed to do so. Wash your hands after use.

Do not use large amounts of this medication, apply it more often, or use it for a longer period than directed. Your condition may not improve faster, and the risk for side effects may be increased.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day.

If your condition does not improve or worsens after 1 week, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, contact your doctor promptly.

Burning, redness, or irritation of the skin may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

If your doctor has prescribed this medication, remember that he or she 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 any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: balance/hearing problems, "hair bumps" (folliculitis).

Rarely, use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a fungal infection or a different bacterial skin infection. Contact your doctor if you notice any new unusual skin symptoms (e.g., scaling, swelling, hot skin) while using this medication. A different medication may need to be used.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), 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.

Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to any of its ingredients; 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, especially of: other skin conditions (e.g., eczema, viral skin infections such as shingles, chickenpox, cold sores).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this product.

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

It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, 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 your doctor or pharmacist first.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: other products for the skin (e.g., corticosteroids/antiseptics).

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

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

If your doctor has prescribed this product for you, do not share it with others.

If this product has been prescribed for you, use it for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in that case.

Missed Dose

If you are using this product on a regular schedule and miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not apply more than the usual amount to make up for the missed dose.

Storage

Refer to storage information from the manufacturer. If you have questions about storage, ask your pharmacist. Protect from high heat, light, and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze. Keep all drug products away from children and pets.

If your product is packaged in a tube, replace the cap tightly after each use.

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.