From the FDA Drug Label
Active ingredient (each gram contains) Bacitracin 500 units The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Bacitracin is a polypeptide antibiotic primarily used as a topical treatment for minor skin infections, wounds, and burns, working by preventing bacterial cell wall formation and killing susceptible bacteria like staphylococci and streptococci 1.
Key Characteristics of Bacitracin
- It is typically available as an ointment (500 units/g) and should be applied to clean, dry skin 1-3 times daily after gently washing the affected area with mild soap and water.
- A thin layer should be spread over the wound and covered with a sterile bandage if needed.
- Treatment should continue until the infection clears, usually within 7-10 days, but medical attention is necessary if symptoms worsen or persist beyond this timeframe.
Important Considerations
- While generally safe for topical use, bacitracin can cause allergic reactions in some people, manifesting as redness, itching, or rash 2.
- It should not be used in the eyes or over large areas of damaged skin.
- Bacitracin is sometimes combined with other antibiotics like polymyxin B and neomycin in triple antibiotic ointments for broader antimicrobial coverage 3.
Recent Developments
- Recent studies have led to the development of rationally designed bacitracin variants that exhibit potent activity against vancomycin-resistant pathogens, offering new possibilities for the treatment of infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria 1.