Bacitracin
Also known as: Bacitracin zinc, BACiiM
A cyclic polypeptide antibiotic used topically and in eye ointment. FDA asked to withdraw the injectable form in 2020; topical forms remain.
Last updated
Mechanism of Action
Bacitracin is a mixture of cyclic polypeptides produced by Bacillus bacteria. It binds undecaprenyl pyrophosphate, the lipid carrier that shuttles cell-wall building blocks across the membrane, and blocks its recycling. This stops peptidoglycan synthesis, mainly in gram-positive bacteria. Its kidney toxicity when given by injection limited systemic use.
- Half-life
- Not well established
- Administration Routes
- Topical, Ophthalmic
- Research Status
- Clinical
Reported Benefits
- Topical ointment helps prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes and burns (OTC)
- Ophthalmic ointment treats superficial bacterial eye infections
- Component of common combination first-aid ointments
Potential Side Effects
- Allergic contact dermatitis (a common contact allergen)
- Rare anaphylaxis, including from topical or irrigation use
- Kidney failure with injection (the reason injectable bacitracin was withdrawn)
Common Dosing
Topical bacitracin is an over-the-counter first-aid product applied to minor wounds as directed on the label; deep wounds, punctures, serious burns and infections that don't improve need medical care. Ophthalmic bacitracin is a prescription product. Injectable bacitracin is no longer considered appropriate in the US. Any prescription use is set and supervised by the prescribing clinician.
The dosing information above is aggregated from research literature and anecdotal community reports for educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation, prescription, or medical advice. Peptides are sold as research chemicals only and are not intended for human use.
Contraindications
- Known allergy to bacitracin
- Not for deep puncture wounds, animal bites or serious burns without medical care
- Injectable use: FDA concluded risks (kidney failure, anaphylaxis) outweigh benefits
No documented stacking partners for Bacitracin yet.