Bacitracin (bas-i-TRAY-sin)

Treats a bacterial infection. This medicine is an antibiotic.

Brand Name(s):

Baciim, Bacitracin Novaplus

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into one of your muscles.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
• Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if you feel better after the first few doses. The infection may not clear up if the medicine is stopped too soon.
• Missed dose: You must use this medicine on a fixed schedule. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you miss a dose.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how bacitracin works. Tell your doctor if you are taking another antibiotic, such as streptomycin, polymyxin B, polymyxin E (colistin), neomycin, kanamycin, amikacin, tobramycin, or gentamicin.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you have a history of kidney disease. This medicine may increase the risk for kidney problems.
• You may develop diarrhea while taking bacitracin, or up to 2 months after the dose. This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Change in how much or how often you urinate
• Diarrhea that contains blood or is severe
• Lower back pain

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Nausea, vomiting
• Pain, swelling, or burning where the shot is given

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088