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Bacitracin Coupon - Bacitracin 3.5g of 500 units/g ophthalmic tube of ointment

bacitracin

Generic Baciguent
Used for Eye Infection, Bacterial Infection
Used for Eye Infection, Bacterial Infection

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).

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Sarah Lobello Pearson, PharmD
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on July 30, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageCostAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

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.

Are you looking for information on bacitracin topical ointment or Ak-Poly-Bac (bacitracin / polymyxin B) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsBaciguent (brand no longer available)
Drug ClassAntibiotic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$122.20(save 95.93%)
GoodRx discount
$4.98
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What are the 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

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 eye ointment

thumbs-up

Pros

Can be used to treat many different kinds of eye infections

Low risk for side effects

Available as a generic medication

thumbs-down

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

Pharmacist tips for Bacitracin eye ointment

pharmacist

  • 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.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Bacitracin eye ointment

              Is bacitracin eye ointment over the counter (OTC)?
              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.
              Does bacitracin eye ointment expire?
              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.
              How to apply bacitracin eye ointment?
              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.
              Will bacitracin eye ointment make my vision blurry?
              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.
              Can I use bacitracin eye ointment on my eyelids?
              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.
              Is bacitracin eye ointment a steroid?
              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.
              Can I use leftover bacitracin eye ointment for another 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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              What are the 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.

              risk-warning

              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.

              risk-warning

              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.

                dosage

                Bacitracin eye ointment dosage forms

                The average cost for 1 tube of 3.5g of 500 units/g ophthalmic of Bacitracin eye ointment is $48.83 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 60.04% off the average retail price of $122.20.
                carton
                Carton
                DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                3 1g tubes of 500 units/g ophthalmic ointment1 carton$83.61$83.61
                tube of ointment
                Tube of ointment
                DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                28.35g of 500 units/g1 tube$4.98$4.98
                1g of 500 units/g ophthalmic1 tube$30.20$30.20
                3.5g of 500 units/g ophthalmic1 tube$48.83$48.83

                Typical dosing for Bacitracin eye ointment

                Apply the ointment into the affected eye(s) 1 to 3 times daily.

                drug-cost

                How much does Bacitracin eye ointment cost?

                To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                Baciguent (brand)
                GoodRx lowest price

                $4.98

                (save 95.93%)
                Bacitracin eye ointment (generic)
                GoodRx lowest price

                $4.98

                (save 95.93%)
                View prices & coupons
                alternatives

                What are alternatives to Bacitracin eye ointment?

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

                • Bacterial eye infections

                $4.98 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                Ak-Poly-Bac (bacitracin / polymyxin B)
                Used for:

                • Bacterial eye infections

                $12.24 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                Neo-Polycin
                Used for:

                • Bacterial eye infections, including:

                $10.99 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
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                Bacitracin eye ointment images

                This medicine is Colorless Tube Of Ointment.

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                References

                Best studies we found

                American Optometric Association. (n.d.). Conjunctivitis (pink eye).

                Hiraoka, T., et al. (2012). Time course of changes in ocular wavefront aberration after administration of eye ointment. Nature.

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

                View All References (4)

                SafeMedication. (n.d.). How to use eye ointments and gels.

                U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2018). Contact lens risks.

                U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2021). Don’t be tempted to use expired medicines.

                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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