bacitracin and lidocaine topical

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

Actions: 

bacitracin is an antibiotic medication in the class of drugs known as polypeptides. It interferes with the synthesis of bacterial cell walls, inhibiting bacterial growth. lidocaine blocks the nerve signals in a specific area of the body, thus temporarily numbing the skin or mucous membranes. It reduces pain and discomfort by inhibition of transmission of pain signals to the brain. 

Spectrum: 

lidocaine effectively relieves pain and discomfort associated with various conditions, including minor burns, insect bites, sunburns, and skin irritations. It is not an antibiotic hence does not have antimicrobial activity. 

bacitracin has a narrow spectrum of activity and is primarily effective against gram-positive bacteria. It prevents or treat bacterial infections on the skin, including minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

Hypersensitivity 

Rash 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

None 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

• Allergy 
• Deep wounds 
• Prolonged use 
• Risk of systemic absorption 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

Category C 

Breastfeeding warnings:  

No data is available regarding the excretion of the drug in breast milk.  

Pregnancy category: 

Category A: well-controlled and satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.    

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: No data is available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

bacitracin is an antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis. It interferes with the dephosphorylation of the lipid carrier that transports peptidoglycan precursors across the cell membrane, thereby preventing the synthesis of new cell wall components. It primarily acts against gram-positive bacteria. 

lidocaine is a local anesthetic that blocks voltage-gated sodium channels, thereby preventing the generation and propagation of action potentials along nerve fibers. By inhibiting nerve impulse transmission, lidocaine produces local anesthesia and provides pain relief. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

bacitracin exerts its pharmacological effects by interfering with the synthesis of bacterial cell walls. It inhibits the formation of peptidoglycan, a vital component of the bacterial cell wall, leading to the disruption of bacterial cell growth and division. bacitracin primarily acts against gram-positive bacteria. 

lidocaine being a local anesthetic blocks the initiation and conduction of nerve impulses by inhibiting the voltage-gated sodium channels that are present in cell membranes of neurons. By blocking sodium influx, lidocaine prevents the generation and transmission of action potentials, resulting in local anesthesia and pain relief. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

bacitracin is primarily administered topically as an ointment or cream. It is poorly absorbed through intact skin, and systemic absorption is minimal. 

When applied topically, lidocaine undergoes local absorption through the skin, with minimal systemic absorption. However, absorption can increase if applied to broken or damaged skin or used in high concentrations or over large areas. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

Before application, clean & dry the affected area. Apply a bit of the cream or ointment as a fine layer to the affected area. Gently rub or spread the medication over the bruise. 

Wash your hands after the application of the medication. Follow the product labeling for specific instructions or as directed by your healthcare professional regarding the frequency of application and duration of use. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: bacitracin and lidocaine 

Pronounced: ba-see-tray-cin lee-do-cane 

Why do we use bacitracin and lidocaine? 

bacitracin is primarily used as an antibiotic ointment or cream for topical application. The combination is used to prevent or treat bacterial infections on the skin, including minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. bacitracin works by inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial cell walls, primarily targeting gram-positive bacteria. 

bacitracin and lidocaine are in combination products that provide antibiotic and analgesic effects for certain skin conditions. However, each medication’s specific uses and indications should be followed as directed by healthcare professionals or indicated on the product labels.