gramicidin

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

Actions: 

Antibacterial gramicidin is a heterogeneous mixture of three antibiotic compounds, namely gramicidin A, B, and C, which are obtained from bacillus brevis, a soil bacterium. gramicidin acts against gram-positive bacteria while showing its bactericidal action by inhibiting the cell wall synthesis by increasing its permeability of the cell wall, thereby showing its destruction to the ion gradient between the extracellular environment and cytoplasm. 

Spectrum: 

The spectrum of gramicidin is only against gram-positive bacteria, which causes bacterial skin infections and eye infections, and is used locally. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Itching 

Sensitivity to light 

Irritation 

Burning 

Blurred vision 

Stinging 

Eyelid swelling 

Redness 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

Caution should be observed with contact lenses, which should inserted after 15 minutes of applying eye drops.

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindications 

• Fungal eye infections 
• Viral eye infections 
• Hypersensitivity 

Cautions 

• Pregnancy 
• Breastfeeding 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

No data is available regarding the administration of the drug during pregnancy. 

Breastfeeding warnings:  

No data is available regarding the excretion of 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: 

Antibacterial gramicidin is a heterogeneous mixture of three antibiotic compounds, namely gramicidin A, B, and C, which are obtained from bacillus brevis, a soil bacterium. gramicidin acts against gram-positive bacteria while showing its bactericidal action by inhibiting the cell wall synthesis by increasing its permeability of the cell wall, thereby showing its destruction to the ion gradient between the extracellular environment and cytoplasm.  

Pharmacodynamics: 

Formation of channels or pores with the cell membrane of bacteria is seen with gramicidin, which, after formation, interrupts the ion gradient across the cell membrane required for cell viability of bacteria, which leads to depolarization of the membrane and its normal function abnormality leading to lysis of the cell. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Limited data is available. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

Wash our hands to prevent contamination before applying eye drops to the affected eye. Check the label of instructions to see whether it is intended for ophthalmic use. The solution should be clear. Sit or stand in front of the mirror, tilting the head backward and looking upwards towards the ceiling.

Pull down the lower eyelid with either of your fingers and create space for eye drop application, and it should not touch the eyelid or eye. Close your eyes to allow the medication to spread over the eye surface, and blink a few times, which helps in distribution. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: gramicidin 

Pronounced: Gram-uh-sye-din 

Why do we use gramicidin? 

Topical use of gramicidin antibiotic to prevent bacterial eye infections. It is also used as an ointment or powder for other skin infections of bacteria but in combination with other antibiotics.