What is Bacitracin?
Bacitracin is an antibiotic used to treat staph infections.In infants, bacitracin is used to treat pneumonitis. It can also be used to treat an illness that causes pus to accumulate between the membranes covering the lungs.This medication guide does not list all possible uses for bacitracin injection.
Side effects of Bacitracin injection
If your baby shows any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat.Your baby will be monitored for these side effects while receiving bacitracin.
- Diarrhoea is a condition that is characterized by blood or water.
- Urinating more frequently or more than usual
- Little or no urinating;
- Blood in the urine
- Lower back pain
- Painful urination.
Side effects that are common include:
- Nausea, vomiting;
- Mild skin rash;
- Pain, burning or swelling at the injection site
The list is not complete, and other side effects may occur. Inform your doctor if you experience any side effects that are unusual or annoying. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report any side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Amoxicillin, Doxycycline, Ciprofloxacin, Azthromycin, Metronidazole, and Clindamycin
Warnings
Bacitracin may harm the kidneys of your baby. The effect is exacerbated if the baby uses other medications, such as injected antibiotics. The kidney function of your baby will be tested both before and after treatment with bacitracin.
Before you take this drug
If your baby is allergic to bacitracin, you should not give it to him or her.
Tell your doctor if:
- Kidney disease
- Allergies
How to take Bacitracin injectable work?
The bacitracin injection is given into a muscle. Your baby will receive this injection from a healthcare provider.Your baby may be hospitalized while receiving bacitracin.Your baby's kidney function must be checked daily while receiving bacitracin.Make sure that your baby takes the medicine as prescribed. The symptoms may improve before the infection has completely cleared. It is also possible that skipping doses can increase the chance of a further infection resistant to antibiotics. Bacitracin does not treat viral infections such as flu and common cold.
Details on dosage
The usual pediatric dose for pneumonia is:
Infants:
Under 2.5 kg: 900 units/kg/24 hours of IM in two or three divided doses
Over 2.5 kg: 1000 units/kg/24 hours IM in two or three divided doses
Use: To treat pneumonia and empyema caused by staphylococci that have been confirmed to be susceptible to this drug.
The usual pediatric dose for bacterial infection is:
Infants:
Under 2.5 kg: 900 units/kg/24 hours of IM in two or three divided doses
Over 2.5 kg: 1000 units/kg/24 hours IM in two or three divided doses
Use: To treat pneumonia and empyema caused by staphylococci that have been confirmed to be susceptible to this drug.Detailed Bacitracin Dosage Information What happens if I miss a dose?Your child is unlikely to miss a dosage of bacitracin because it will be administered in a clinic setting.
What happens if I overdose?
Overdoses are unlikely because bacitracin will be administered by a healthcare provider in a medical environment.
What should be avoided?
Antibiotics can cause diarrhea. This could be an indication of a new illness. Call your doctor if your baby's diarrhea is bloody or watery. You should not give anti-diarrhea medication to your baby unless you have been told by your doctor.
Interaction with other drug
The kidneys of your baby can be damaged by bacitracin. The effect of certain medicines on the baby's kidneys is increased. Tell your doctor all the medicines that your baby takes, including:
- Antivirals;
- Chemotherapy;
- Injection of antibiotics
- Medicine for bowel disorders;
- Some pain relievers or arthritis medications (including tylenol, advil, aleve, aspirin, or tylenol) or medicine that prevents organ transplant rejection
This list is incomplete. There are other drugs that may interact with bacitracin. These include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This medication guide does not list all possible interactions.
