What is it?
Bacitracin is an antibiotic agent used in a variety of topical and ophthalmic preparations.

How do I avoid it?
Patients allergic to bacitracin should inform their health care providers of this allergy, especially if a cream or ointment is prescribed to be applied to the skin after surgery. The ingredient lists of all prescription and non-prescription medications should be read for the presence of bacitracin and products with the names listed below.

Skin contact with bacitracin is required for it to cause a rash. Discontinuation of exposure to products containing bacitracin should result in improvement and/or the resolution of your dermatitis. By law, all products made in the U.S. for topical use have the ingredients listed either on the product package or the box that contains them, so check the labeling of your skincare products for this ingredient.
If there is not enough information, ask your pharmacist or contact the company directly. At work, request a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to help identify potential sources of exposure.

Uses:
  • Antibacterial ointments and creams (over the counter and prescription)
  • Eye ointments or drops
  • Ear ointments or drops
Other names for Bacitracin:
  • Ayfivin
  • Bacitracin zinc
  • Baciquent
  • Fortracin
  • Penitracin
  • Polysporin
  • Topitracin
  • Zutracin
Potential cross-reacting/co-reacting substances:
  • Neomycin sulfate

MCS7562-062rev0322

How safe is it?

Hang tight. We're thinking.