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Bacitracin Non-Prescription Coupon - Bacitracin Non-Prescription 500 units/g tube of ointment

bacitracin non-prescription

Generic Bacitraycin Plus Original
Used for Skin Infection
Used for Skin Infection

Bacitracin is a topical antibiotic ointment that's used to help prevent skin infections from small cuts, scrapes, and burns. It's available over the counter (OTC) and generally can be used in both children and adults. The ointment is typically applied 1 to 3 times a day to the affected area(s) of the skin. Side effects aren't very common, but if you develop a rash, you'll need to stop using it and contact your provider.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Sarah Lobello Pearson, PharmD
reviewer
Daisy Chau, PharmD
Last reviewed on October 4, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageCostAlternativesImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Bacitracin?

What is Bacitracin used for?

  • Preventing bacterial infections in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns

How Bacitracin works

Bacitracin is a topical antibiotic. It stops the growth of bacteria by making their protective covering weaker. It also blocks certain proteins they need to survive from working. When this medication is applied to wounds, it stops bacteria from spreading, which prevents infections.

Are you looking for information on bacitracin eye ointment (Baciguent), Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B), or Neosporin (bacitracin / neomycin / polymyxin) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsBacitraycin Plus Original
Drug ClassTopical antibiotic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityOver-the-counter
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Avg retail price
$8.71(save 52.45%)
GoodRx discount
$4.14
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basics-icon

What are the side effects of Bacitracin?

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

Side effects aren't common. See Risks and Warnings.

Other Side Effects

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Allergic reactions: rash, itching, hives, swelling of face or lips, trouble breathing

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

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
pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Bacitracin

thumbs-up

Pros

Can be used to prevent infections from minor skin injuries

Very few side effects

Available over the counter as a lower-cost, generic medication

A good option for those with allergies to other topical antibiotics

thumbs-down

Cons

Might need to use a few times per day

Can be messy to use

Not meant for long-term use

Can't be used to treat infections

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Bacitracin

pharmacist

  • Before using bacitracin, clean the affected area(s) of your skin. Wash your hands before and after using this medication. This will help prevent the spread of germs.

    • Only use bacitracin on the outside of your body. Never use it in your eyes or inside your mouth, nose, ears, or genitals. Also, don't apply this medication onto a large area of your body. Talk to your healthcare provider if you need an antibiotic ointment for these areas.

      • You can use a clean bandage to cover the affected area after applying bacitracin so it won't get on your clothing.

        • Some people can get a skin rash from bacitracin. If you get itchy, red, or burning skin after using this medication, stop using it and tell your provider right away. These are signs of a possible allergic reaction.

          • Store bacitracin at room temperature away from children and pets.

            faqs

            Frequently asked questions about Bacitracin

            Is bacitracin the same as neosporin?
            Neosporin is a combination medication made up of three different topical antibiotics: bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B. It's also known as a "triple antibiotic" ointment. On the other hand, bacitracin itself comes as a single-ingredient, topical antibiotic. Neosporin and bacitracin are both used the same way to prevent infections in minor wounds. But you might prefer to use bacitracin over Neosporin if you're allergic to neomycin or polymyxin B.
            Is bacitracin an antibiotic?
            Yes. Bacitracin is a topical antibiotic, meaning it's applied to the skin. It prevents infections by killing bacteria in your wounds.
            Does bacitracin expire?
            Yes, bacitracin expires. Always check the expiration date on the product before using it to make sure it's still good.
            Is bacitracin over the counter?
            Yes. You can buy bacitracin over the counter. Ask your pharmacist for help if you have any questions.
            Is bacitracin good for burns?
            For minor burns, yes. bacitracin is only meant to be used for minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. If you have a moderate to serious burn, you should contact your healthcare provider since it will likely require a different treatment.
            How long should I use bacitracin?
            You can use bacitracin for up to 1 week. If your wound hasn't improved or gets worse after 1 week of using this medication, contact your provider. This might mean that you have a more serious injury or infection that your provider should check.
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            warings-icon

            What are the risks and warnings for Bacitracin?

            Bacitracin 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.

            risk-warning

            Allergic reaction

            Bacitracin can cause an allergic reaction. If you develop a skin rash or other reaction while using this medication, stop using it and contact your provider. If you experience a more serious allergic reaction, such as shortness of breath or swelling of your tongue, lips, or face, get emergency medical help right away.

            risk-warning

            Use only on your skin

            Bacitracin should only be used on your skin. Don’t put it in your eyes or inside your nose, mouth, or genitals. If this medication is swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away by calling 1-800-222-1222.

            risk-warning

            Not for wounds caused by a viral or fungal infection

            Bacitracin can only help protect against bacterial infections. Applying this medication to a wound that's caused by a viral or fungal infection might lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the wound. This means that the bacteria that starts to grow in the wound can become very difficult to get rid of, even with the use of antibiotics. Only apply bacitracin to minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. And if your wound doesn't improve, gets worse, or goes away then comes back within a few days, contact your provider.

            dosage

            Bacitracin dosage forms

            The average cost for 14 tubes of 500 units/g of Bacitracin is $4.14 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 52.45% off the average retail price of $8.71.
            tube of ointment
            Tube of ointment
            DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
            500 units/g14 tubes$4.14$0.30

            Typical dosing for Bacitracin

            Apply a small amount (about the size of the tip of your finger) to the affected area(s) 1 to 3 times daily.

            drug-cost

            How much does Bacitracin cost?

            To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
            Bacitracin (generic)
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            $4.14

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            alternatives

            What are alternatives to Bacitracin?

            There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Bacitracin. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
            Bacitracin
            Used for:

            • Preventing bacterial infections in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns

            $4.14 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
            Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B)
            Used for:

            • Preventing bacterial skin infections from small cuts, scrapes, and burns

            $3.83 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
            Neosporin
            Used for:

            • Preventing infections in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns

            $5.20 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
            images

            Bacitracin images

            This medicine is Colorless Tube Of Ointment.
            This medicine is Colorless Tube Of Ointment.
            This medicine is Colorless Tube Of Ointment.
            This medicine is Colorless Tube Of Ointment.

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            References

            Best studies we found

            Nguyen, R., et al. (2022). Bacitracin topical. StatPearls.

            Trifecta Pharmaceuticals USA, LLC. (2023). Bacitracin- bacitracin zine ointment [package insert]. DailyMed.

            GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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