bacitracin topical

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum 

By preventing the synthesis of peptidoglycan, a crucial component of the bacterial cell wall, bacitracin prevents the synthesis of bacterial cell walls. By taking this technique, vulnerable microorganisms are eliminated. 

The gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Streptococcus pneumoniae are highly resistant to the antibiotic bacitracin. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Pain 

Rash 

Hypersensitivity reaction  

Itching 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning 

There is no black box warning associated with bacitracin topical. 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

• People with known allergy or hypersensitivity to bacitracin or any other ingredient in the treatment should not take bacitracin topical. 

Caution: 

• bacitracin topical should only be used on small, superficial skin wounds, deep or puncture wounds should not be treated. 
• The most common application of bacitracin topical is to prevent or cure bacterial infections in small skin wounds. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy warnings:     

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Lactation: Excretion into human milk is unknown  

Pregnancy Categories:         

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 topical prevents the creation of peptidoglycan, a crucial part of the bacterial cell wall, which in turn prevents the synthesis of bacterial cell walls.  

The movement of peptidoglycan precursors across the cell membrane is stopped by its binding to the lipid carrier molecule bactoprenol. As a result, the cell wall’s construction is hampered, which kills the bacterium. 

Pharmacodynamics 

The main bacteria that bacitracin topical works against are gram-positive ones. It is highly efficient against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. 

By preventing the formation of peptidoglycan, an essential element of the bacterial cell wall, bacitracin has a pharmacodynamic impact. This causes cell wall synthesis to be disrupted, weakening the bacterial cell and finally leading to cell death. 

Pharmacokinetics 

Absorption   

The systemic absorption of bacitracin when applied topically is constrained. At the application site, such as the skin, it mostly has a local effect. There is very little absorption via healthy skin. Absorption may happen if the skin is damaged, such as in the case of open wounds or burns. 

Distribution 

bacitracin topical continues to be primarily localised at the application location. Due to its low level of systemic absorption, it does not demonstrate considerable diffusion throughout the body. Only a small amount of bacitracin can pass through healthy skin and mucous membranes. 

Metabolism 

The body does not considerably metabolize bacitracin topical. The amount of biotransformation is small, and the drug keeps its pharmacological efficacy. Most bacitracin is excreted in its unaltered form. 

Elimination and excretion 

The kidneys are largely used for bacitracin topical excretion. Any systemic bacitracin absorption following topical treatment is mostly removed through renal excretion. The half-life of bacitracin’s elimination is quite short. 

Adminstartion

Administration 

bacitracin topical is typically available in the form of ointment or cream and is applied directly to the affected area of the skin. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: bacitracin topical 

Why do we use bacitracin topical? 

bacitracin topical is used to treat and prevent bacterial skin infections. Minor cuts, scratches, and wounds can benefit from the application of bacitracin to help ward off infection and speed up recovery.  

Impetigo, folliculitis, and infected dermatoses are just a few of the superficial bacterial skin illnesses that bacitracin is effective against. It promotes healing and aids in the removal of the infection-causing bacteria. 

To stop infection and accelerate wound healing after minor surgical operations or incisions, bacitracin topical may be applied.