DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Bacitracin Ointment (bass-ih-TRAY-sin)
Brand Name: Generic only. No brands available.

Bacitracin Ointment is used for:

Treating or preventing infection in minor skin wounds.

Bacitracin Ointment is an antibiotic. It works by stopping or preventing bacterial infections by either killing susceptible bacteria or inhibiting their growth.

Do NOT use Bacitracin Ointment if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Bacitracin Ointment

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Bacitracin Ointment:

Some medical conditions may interact with Bacitracin Ointment. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Bacitracin Ointment. Because little, if any, of Bacitracin Ointment is absorbed into the blood, the risk of it interacting with another medicine is low.

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Bacitracin Ointment may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Bacitracin Ointment:

Use Bacitracin Ointment as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Wash and completely dry the affected area. Gently rub the medicine in until it is evenly distributed. The area may be left uncovered, or you may cover it with a sterile bandage. Wash your hands immediately after using Bacitracin Ointment, unless your hands are part of the treated area.
• Bacitracin Ointment works best if used at the same time each day.
• To clear up your infection completely, continue using Bacitracin Ointment for the full course of treatment even if you feel better in a few days.
• If a dose is missed, use it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Bacitracin Ointment.

Important safety information:

• It is important to use Bacitracin Ointment for the full course of treatment. Failure to do so may decrease the effectiveness of this treatment and may increase the risk that the bacteria will no longer be sensitive to Bacitracin Ointment and it will not be able to be treated by this or certain other antibacterial medicines in the future.
• Do not use Bacitracin Ointment in your eyes, or to cover large areas of your body. If you have deep puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns, check with your doctor.
• Do not use longer than 7 days unless directed by your doctor.
• PREGNANCY AND BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Bacitracin Ointment during pregnancy. It is unknown if Bacitracin Ointment is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding, check with your doctor to discuss the benefits and risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Bacitracin Ointment:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); burning; redness; swelling.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Bacitracin Ointment may be harmful if swallowed.

Proper storage of Bacitracin Ointment:

Store Bacitracin Ointment at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C), in a tightly closed container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Bacitracin Ointment out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Bacitracin Ointment, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Bacitracin Ointment is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is summary only. It does not contain all information about Bacitracin Ointment. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.