bacitracin ophthalmic

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

bacitracin ophthalmic is an antibiotic medication used for the treatment of eye infections. It is commonly available as an ointment or eye drop and is typically applied topically to the eye. 

The action of bacitracin Ophthalmic: bacitracin ophthalmic works by inhibiting the growth and also multiplication of bacteria. It is primarily effective against gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species strains. bacitracin interferes with bacterial cell wall synthesis by inhibiting the incorporation of peptidoglycans into the cell wall, resulting in cell death. 

The Spectrum of Activity: bacitracin has a limited spectrum of activity, primarily targeting gram-positive bacteria. It is effective against various bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus (including methicillin-resistant strains), Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, and some strains of Clostridium species. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

Eye irritation 

Diarrhea 

Blood dyscrasias 

Rectal itching 

Stinging  

Burning 

Nausea 

Itching 

Pain 

Blurred vision 

Diaphoresis 

Anorexia 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

None 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication 

bacitracin ophthalmic should not be used in certain situations due to potential contraindications.  

• Allergy or hypersensitivity: Individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to bacitracin or any other component of the medication should not use bacitracin ophthalmic. Allergic reactions can range from mild-severe reactions, skin irritation, including anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening allergic response. 
• Viral eye infections: bacitracin ophthalmic is specifically indicated for treating bacterial eye infections. It is ineffective against viral eye infections, like those caused by a varicella-zoster virus or herpes simplex virus. Therefore, it should not be used to treat viral conjunctivitis or other viral eye conditions. 
• Fungal eye infections: bacitracin ophthalmic is ineffective against fungal eye infections. If you have a suspected or confirmed fungal eye infection, bacitracin ophthalmic should not be used, as it will not provide the appropriate treatment. 
• Pre-existing eye damage or trauma: bacitracin ophthalmic should be used cautiously in individuals with pre-existing eye damage or trauma, as it may cause further irritation or complications. In such cases, it is essential to consult with an ophthalmologist or healthcare professional who can assess the condition and determine the appropriate course of treatment. 
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: While bacitracin ophthalmic is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy condition and breastfeeding. 

Caution 

While bacitracin ophthalmic is generally safe to use, some cautions and precautions should be considered.  

• Contact lens wearers: If you use contact lenses, removing them before applying bacitracin ophthalmic is essential. The ointment or eye drops may contain ingredients that can be absorbed by contact lenses, leading to potential irritation or adverse effects. Wait nearly 15 minutes after applying the medication before reinserting your contact lenses. 
• Prolonged use: bacitracin ophthalmic is typically used for short-term treatment of eye infections. Prolonged or excessive medication use may lead to the growth of non-susceptible organisms, including fungi, and can potentially result in superinfection. Following the prescribed treatment duration is important. 
• Eye irritation: Some individuals may experience mild eye irritation, stinging, burning, or itching after using bacitracin ophthalmic. If you experience persistent or severe eye irritation, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional. 
• Monitoring for allergic reactions: Although rare, allergic reactions to bacitracin ophthalmic can occur. Watch for signs of allergic reactions, like rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.  
• Use with other medications: Inform your healthcare professional about any other medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, as well as herbal supplements, that you are currently taking. Certain medications may interact with bacitracin ophthalmic, potentially affecting its effectiveness or increasing the risk of adverse effects. 
• Pediatric use: bacitracin ophthalmic is generally considered safe for children, but it is essential to follow proper dosing instructions and consult a healthcare professional before using it in pediatric patients. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

US FDA pregnancy category: C 

Lactation:   

Excreted into human milk: Not known. 

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: There is no data available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

bacitracin ophthalmic is a topical antibiotic medication used to treat bacterial eye infections. It exerts its pharmacological action by inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial cell walls. Specifically, bacitracin interferes with the dephosphorylation of the lipid carrier, preventing the transfer of peptidoglycan precursors across the bacterial cell membrane.

This disruption inhibits the formation of the bacterial cell wall, leading to bacterial cell death. bacitracin ophthalmic has a narrow spectrum of activity, primarily targeting gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species. It is available as an ointment or eye drops and is applied topically to the eye to treat bacterial eye infections effectively. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

Mechanism of action: The action of bacitracin ophthalmic involves its ability to inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis. bacitracin is a cyclic polypeptide antibiotic that primarily targets gram-positive bacteria, including strains of Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species. 

When bacitracin ophthalmic is applied topically to the eye, it works by interfering with the dephosphorylation of the lipid carrier called bactoprenol pyrophosphate. This lipid carrier is crucial in transporting peptidoglycan precursors across the bacterial cell membrane during cell wall synthesis. 

By inhibiting the dephosphorylation of bactoprenol pyrophosphate, bacitracin prevents the recycling of the lipid carrier. As a result, the lipid carrier cannot transfer the peptidoglycan precursors to the growing cell wall, leading to impaired cell wall synthesis. This disruption weakens the bacterial cell wall, ultimately causing bacterial cell death. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

bacitracin ophthalmic is primarily intended for local action on the eye and has limited systemic absorption. When applied topically, only a tiny fraction of the medication may be absorbed through the conjunctiva into the systemic circulation. 

Distribution 

The distribution of bacitracin after topical administration is limited, and it remains primarily localized in the eye tissues. Systemic distribution and penetration into other body tissues are minimal. 

Metabolism 

bacitracin is a peptide antibiotic that is not significantly metabolized in the body.  

Elimination and Excretion 

The excretion route of bacitracin following topical ophthalmic administration needs to be well-documented. Given its limited systemic absorption, any small amount that enters the systemic circulation may be eliminated through renal excretion. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

Ophthalmic administration 

bacitracin ophthalmic is available in two primary forms: ointment and eye drops. The specific administration instructions may vary slightly depending on your formulation. Here are the general guidelines for administering bacitracin ophthalmic: 

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling the medication or touching your eye. 
• For bacitracin Ophthalmic Ointment: 
• Tilt your head back or lie down and look at the ceiling. 
• Gently pull down lower eyelid to create a tiny pocket. 
• Squeeze a small amount of ointment (around 1/4 inch or as directed by your healthcare professional) into the pocket formed by the lower eyelid. Be careful to avoid touching your eye with the tip of the tube. 
• Close your eye gently to spread the ointment evenly over the eye’s surface. 
• Blink a few times to help distribute the ointment. 
• After administering the medication, recap the ointment tube to prevent contamination. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: bacitracin ophthalmic 

Pronounced: [ BAS-i-TRAY-sin-off-THAL-mik ] 

Why do we use bacitracin ophthalmic? 

bacitracin ophthalmic is primarily used for the treatment of bacterial eye infections. It is available as an ointment or eye drops and is applied topically to the eye. Here are the primary uses of bacitracin ophthalmic: 

• Bacterial Conjunctivitis: bacitracin ophthalmic is commonly used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis, also called as “pink eye.” Bacterial conjunctivitis is an infection of conjunctiva, the thin and transparent membrane covering the eye’s white part and the eyelids’ inner surface. 
• Bacterial Keratitis: bacitracin ophthalmic may be prescribed to treat bacterial keratitis, an infection of the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. Bacterial keratitis can result from eye injuries, contact lens-related complications, or other sources of bacterial contamination. 
• Pre- and Post-Surgical Prophylaxis: bacitracin ophthalmic can be used as a prophylactic measure to prevent eye infections before and after ocular surgery. It helps reduce the risk of bacterial infection during the healing process. 
• Lid Margin Disease: bacitracin ophthalmic may be recommended to treat lid margin diseases, such as blepharitis or style. These conditions involve inflammation or infection of the eyelid margins and can be caused by bacterial overgrowth.