Bacitracin injection

What is this medicine?

BACITRACIN (bass i TRAY sin) is a polypeptide antibiotic. It is used to treat certain kinds of bacterial infections. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is injected into a muscle. It is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic.

If you receive this medicine at home, you will receive special instructions. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think your are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• chest tightness

• dark urine

• fever

• lower back pain

• pain, difficulty passing urine

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea

• loss of appetite

• nausea, vomiting

• pain and irritation at injection site

• rectal itching or pain

What may interact with this medicine?

• birth control pills

• colistin

• diuretics

• kanamycin

• neomycin

• polymyxin

• streptomycin

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

You will be instructed on how to store this medicine, if needed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date on the label.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• kidney disease

• myasthenia gravis or other neuromuscular disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to bacitracin, neomycin, or other antibiotics, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve or if you get new symptoms. You will need to have blood work done while you are on this medicine.

Ask how many glasses of fluid you need to drink a day while taking this medicine.