bacitracin

This medication is used to prevent minor skin infections caused by small cuts, scrapes, or burns. Bacitracin works by stopping the growth of certain bacteria. It belongs to a class of drugs known as antibiotics.

This antibiotic only prevents bacterial infections. It will not work for virus or fungus infections. Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

Do not use this product over large areas of the body. Do not use it for serious skin infections. Ask your doctor first before using this product for serious skin injuries (such as deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, serious burns). A different treatment may be necessary for these types of conditions. Consult your doctor for more information.

If you are self-treating with this medication, it is important to read the package instructions carefully before you start using this product to be sure it is right for you. (See also Precautions section.)

This medication is for use on the skin only. If you are self-treating, follow all directions on the product package. If you are uncertain about any of the information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Wash your hands before using. Clean and dry the affected area. Then gently apply a small amount of medication (no more than can fit on your finger tip) in a thin layer, usually 1 to 3 times a day or as directed by your doctor. If you are using the spray form, shake the bottle well before each use. You may cover the area with a sterile bandage. Wash your hands after use.

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If this occurs, wipe off the medication and rinse thoroughly with water.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day. Do not apply large amounts of this medication, use it more often, or use it for longer than directed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects may increase. Do not use this product for longer than 1 week unless directed by your doctor.

Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if your condition persists after a few days, or if it worsens, or if you develop a rash or an allergic reaction. (See Side Effects Section.) If you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.

This medication usually has no side effects. If you have any unusual effects, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

If your doctor has directed you to use 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.

Rarely, use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in other types of skin infections (such as fungal or other bacterial infections). Contact your doctor if you notice any unusual skin symptoms or if your condition does not improve.

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 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.

Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C). Different forms of this medication may have different storage requirements. Read the package labeling or ask your pharmacist for the storage requirements for the product you are using. Keep all medications 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.

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.

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.

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. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Keep all regular medical and laboratory appointments.