Bacitracin
Bacitracin is a topical antibiotic used to prevent and treat minor skin infections caused by susceptible bacteria. It is commonly applied to small cuts, scrapes, and burns to reduce the risk of infection and support the healing process. The medication is available over-the-counter and is often found in combination with other antibiotics in multi-antibiotic ointments.
A topical antibiotic ointment that prevents and treats minor skin infections by killing or inhibiting the growth of bacteria.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- D06AX01
- RxNorm
- unknown
- Generic
- Bacitracin
- Class
- atc-d06
- Brands
- Rash Relief Antibacterial, Tri Biozene, Neo-Polycin HC, Neo-Polycin, Cuadriderma, Baciguent, Polycin, Lanabiotic, Spectrocin Plus, Bactine Antibiotic, Polysporin, Mycitracin Plus Pain Reliever
- Availability
- otc
- Pregnancy
- B
- Lactation
- safe
- Half-life (h)
- 0
- Onset (min)
- 0
- Duration (h)
- 0
- Routes
- topical, ophthalmic
- Forms
- ointment, cream, powder
- Regions
- United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, India, Germany
- Monitoring
- allergic reactions, skin irritation
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse lowest effective dose
avoid use on large body surface areas or broken skin during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
monitor for any skin reactions in mother
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse lowest effective dose
avoid use on large body surface areas or broken skin during pregnancy
monitor for any skin reactions
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
avoid use on large body surface areas or broken skin during pregnancy
monitor for any skin reactions
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
avoid applying to breast area before breastfeeding; wash hands before handling infant
monitor infant for any skin reactions or unusual symptoms
geriatric
elderlyno adjustment needed
use as directed for topical application; monitor for skin sensitivity
monitor for skin irritation or allergic reactions
pediatric_age
infants and toddlersuse under medical supervision
avoid use on large areas or broken skin in infants; use only as prescribed
monitor closely for skin irritation or sensitivity
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
childrenno adjustment needed
use as directed for topical application; avoid application to large areas
monitor for skin reactions
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
topical use has minimal systemic absorption; no dose adjustment required
no specific monitoring required for renal function
renal_impairment
severeno adjustment needed
topical use has minimal systemic absorption; no special dose adjustment required
standard monitoring for skin reactions
hepatic_impairment
anyno adjustment needed
topical use has minimal systemic absorption; no dose adjustment required
no specific monitoring required for hepatic function
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information
Drug class
Drug class information
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism
Prevention and treatment of minor skin infections caused by susceptible gram-positive bacteria, including small cuts, scrapes, burns, and wounds. Often used for impetigo and other minor dermatological infections.
Bacitracin inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by blocking the formation of peptidoglycan, an essential component of the bacterial cell wall. This prevents bacteria from multiplying and allows the body's immune system to eliminate the infection.
For external use only on intact skin; should not be applied to deep wounds, serious burns, or large areas of damaged skin. May cause local skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals. Consult a healthcare provider if infection worsens or does not improve within 1 week of treatment.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy