bacitracin
Bacitracin eye ointment is used to treat bacterial infections in the eye. It has very few side effects, but it might be difficult or uncomfortable for some people to use. It's no longer available as a brand name version, but still available as a lower-cost generic medication. Bacitracin eye ointment requires a prescription and isn't sold over the counter (OTC).
What is Bacitracin eye ointment?
What is Bacitracin eye ointment used for?
- Bacterial eye infections
How Bacitracin eye ointment works
Bacitracin eye ointment is an antibiotic. It stops the growth of bacteria by making their protective covering weaker. It also blocks certain proteins they need to survive from working.
Drug facts
Side effects of Bacitracin eye ointment
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Blurry vision
The following Bacitracin eye ointment side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Mild skin irritation, redness, or dryness
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Pros and cons of Bacitracin eye ointment
Pros
- Can be used to treat many different kinds of eye infections
- Low risk for side effects
- Available as a generic medication
Cons
- Might have to use multiple times a day
- Can be messy and difficult to use
- Can cause blurry vision right after use
Pharmacist tips for Bacitracin eye ointment
- Wash your hands before and after applying bacitracin eye ointment to the eye.
- Use a mirror so that you can see where you're placing the ointment. Wipe any excess ointment from your eyelids or lashes with a clean tissue.
- Avoid touching the tip of the bacitracin eye ointment tube to your eye, eyelid, fingers, or other surfaces. This will prevent bacteria from getting on the tube and into the medication, and help you avoid another eye infection.
- Talk to your provider before using bacitracin eye ointment if you wear contact lenses. Typically, contacts shouldn't be worn while you have an eye infection.
- Stop using bacitracin eye ointment and talk to your provider if your infection doesn't get better, gets worse, or if you experience a rash or an allergic reaction to the medication.
- Be sure to use bacitracin eye ointment for the full amount of time your healthcare provider told you to, even if your symptoms have improved. Stopping bacitracin eye ointment too soon can cause your infection to come back and be harder to treat.
Common questions about Bacitracin eye ointment
No, bacitracin eye ointment isn't available OTC. You must have a prescription from your provider to get this medication. Bacitracin topical ointment is available OTC, but it should only be used on the skin for minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. Bacitracin topical ointment should never be used in the eyes.
Yes. Make sure you check the expiration date on your prescription or the packaging, and throw bacitracin eye ointment away if it's past the expiration date. You shouldn't use bacitracin eye ointment if it has already expired because it might not work as well to treat your infection. Additionally, bacteria could grow inside of it and cause another infection.
Before using bacitracin eye ointment, wash your hands thoroughly. If you're using bacitracin eye ointment to treat an infection on your eyelid, spread the ointment evenly over crust-free skin on your eyelid. If you're using it to treat an infection inside of your eye, tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to make a pocket. Squeeze about a half-inch ribbon inside without touching your eye with the tip. Blink your eye gently and then close your eye for 1-2 minutes.
Applying ointments like bacitracin eye ointment can make your vision a little blurry. The burry vision can last for about 15 minutes to a few hours, but it should be temporary. Close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes and allow the medication to spread around inside your eyes. Avoid any activities that require you to see well until your vision clears up. You can use a clean tissue to wipe away any excess ointment outside of your eyes.
Yes, you can use bacitracin eye ointment to treat an infection on your eyelids if your provider has instructed you to do so. Wash your hands first, then wipe away any crust on your eyelids with water. Then, spread a small amount of the ointment evenly over the affected area on your eyelids, as often as instructed by your provider.
No, bacitracin eye ointment isn't a steroid or corticosteroid. It's an antibiotic. Some providers might prescribe an additional steroid eye drop if you have severe eye inflammation with your infection. Steroids might help lower inflammation and swelling, but they can't treat the bacterial infection.
No. If you get another eye infection, you should see your provider. It could be caused by a virus or different bacteria that bacitracin eye ointment can't treat. Your provider can make sure you get the best treatment for your infection.
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Risks and warnings for Bacitracin eye ointment
Bacitracin eye ointment can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Allergic reactions
Though very rare, bacitracin eye ointment can cause allergic reactions. Stop the medication and let your provider know if you experience itching, redness, swelling of the eyes and eyelids, or if your infection isn't getting better. These reactions typically go away after you stop using the medication.
Eye infections that are difficult to treat
- Risk factors: Using the medication for longer than prescribed
Long-term use of bacitracin eye ointment might lead to eye infections that are difficult to treat. This is because the bacteria can become no longer affected by certain antibiotics. Make sure to use bacitracin eye ointment for the exact amount of time your provider has instructed you to. Stop using this medication and let your provider know if your eye infection gets worse or if you experience symptoms, such as thick mucus coming out of your eye, swelling, or pain in your eye.
Bacitracin eye ointment dosage
Carton| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 1g tubes of 500 units/g ophthalmic ointment | 1 carton | $40.40 | $40.40 |
Typical dosage for Bacitracin eye ointment
Apply the ointment into the affected eye(s) 1 to 3 times daily.
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