Version July 2025
Prevention of infection: Infants, Children, and Adolescents: Topical: Apply small amount 1 to 3 times daily; duration of therapy >7 days is not recommended, unless directed by health care provider. Note: Do not use in the eyes or over large areas of the body.
(For additional information see "Bacitracin (topical): Drug information")
Prevention of infection: Topical: Apply a small amount to the affected area 1 to 3 times daily.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling. However, dosage adjustment unlikely due to low systemic absorption.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling. However, dosage adjustment unlikely due to low systemic absorption.
The following adverse drug reactions and incidences are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified.
Postmarketing and/or case reports: Anaphylaxis (Elsner 1990; Farley 1995)
OTC labeling: When used for self-medication, do not use if hypersensitive to bacitracin or any component of the formulation.
Concerns related to adverse effects:
• Anaphylaxis: Use with caution in patients who have been previously exposed to bacitracin; anaphylactic reactions have occurred on repeat exposure (Elsner, 1990; Farley, 1995).
Other warnings/precautions:
• Self-medication (OTC use): When used for self-medication (OTC), do not use in the eyes, over large areas of the body, or for longer than 1 week unless directed by health care provider. Discontinue use and notify health care provider prior to use for deep puncture wounds, bites, or serious burns; if condition persists or worsens; or if rash or other allergic reaction occurs.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Ointment, External, as zinc [strength expressed as base]:
FT Antibiotic: 500 units/g (28.4 g)
Generic: 500 units/g (1 ea, 144 ea, 1 g, 14 g, 14.2 g, 15 g, 28 g, 28.35 g, 28.4 g, 30 g, 425 g, 453.9 g)
Yes
Ointment (Bacitracin External)
500 units/g (per gram): $0.08 - $0.12
500 units/g (per each): $0.14 - $0.23
Ointment (Bacitracin Zinc External)
500 units/g (per gram): $0.05 - $0.18
Disclaimer: A representative AWP (Average Wholesale Price) price or price range is provided as reference price only. A range is provided when more than one manufacturer's AWP price is available and uses the low and high price reported by the manufacturers to determine the range. The pricing data should be used for benchmarking purposes only, and as such should not be used alone to set or adjudicate any prices for reimbursement or purchasing functions or considered to be an exact price for a single product and/or manufacturer. Medi-Span expressly disclaims all warranties of any kind or nature, whether express or implied, and assumes no liability with respect to accuracy of price or price range data published in its solutions. In no event shall Medi-Span be liable for special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from use of price or price range data. Pricing data is updated monthly.
For external topical use only. Clean the affected area. Apply a small amount of product (an amount equal to the surface area of the tip of a finger); may cover with sterile bandage.
Topical: For topical use only; do not use in the eyes or over large areas of the body. Clean the affected area prior to use. Apply a small amount of product (an amount equal to the surface area of the tip of a finger); may cover with sterile bandage.
Store at 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F); avoid excessive heat and humidity.
Prevention of infection in minor cuts, scrapes, or burns (FDA approved in pediatric patients [age not specified] and adults).
Bacitracin may be confused with Bactrim, Bactroban
None known.
Note: Interacting drugs may not be individually listed below if they are part of a group interaction (eg, individual drugs within “CYP3A4 Inducers [Strong]” are NOT listed). For a complete list of drug interactions by individual drug name and detailed management recommendations, use the drug interactions program
There are no known significant interactions.
Although large studies have not been conducted, absorption is limited following topical application; use during pregnancy has not been associated with an increased risk of adverse fetal events (Leachman, 2006; Murase, 2014).
Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by preventing transfer of mucopeptides into the growing cell wall
Absorption: Poor from mucous membranes and intact or denuded skin
