bacitracin (injection)

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Pronunciation: BAS i TRAY sin

Brand: Baci-IM

What is the most important information I should know about bacitracin injection?

Bacitracin can harm your baby's kidneys. This effect is increased when the baby also uses certain other medicines, especially injected antibiotics. Your baby's kidney function will need to be tested before and during treatment with bacitracin.

What is bacitracin?

Bacitracin injection is an antibiotic that treats staph infection caused by a bacteria called staphylococcus (STAF-il-oh-KOK-us).

Bacitracin injection is used in infants to treat pneumonia. It is also used to treat an infection that causes pus to build up between the lungs and the membrane that covers them.

Bacitracin injection may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving bacitracin injection?

Your baby should not receive this medicine if he or she is allergic to bacitracin.

To make sure bacitracin is safe for your baby, tell the doctor if your baby has:

  • kidney disease; or
  • any known allergies.

How is bacitracin injection given?

Bacitracin is injected into a muscle. A healthcare provider will give your baby this injection.

Lung infections in infants are serious conditions, and your baby will most likely be kept in the hospital while being treated with bacitracin injection.

While receiving bacitracin, your baby's kidney function will need to be tested daily.

Make sure your baby receives this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase the risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Bacitracin will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Because your child will receive bacitracin in a clinical setting, he or she is not likely to miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Since this medicine is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid while receiving bacitracin injection?

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If your baby has diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor. Do not give your baby anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

What are the possible side effects of bacitracin injection?

Get emergency medical help if your baby has any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

While receiving bacitracin injection, your baby will be watched for the following side effects:

  • diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
  • urinating more than usual or more often;
  • little or no urinating (fewer wet diapers);
  • blood in the urine;
  • lower back pain; or
  • painful urination.

Common side effects include:

  • nausea, vomiting;
  • mild skin rash; or
  • pain, burning, or swelling where the medicine was injected.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect bacitracin injection?

Bacitracin can harm your baby's kidneys. This effect is increased when the baby also receives certain other medicines. Tell your doctor about all medicines your baby uses, especially:

  • antivirals;
  • chemotherapy;
  • injected antibiotics;
  • medicine for bowel disorders;
  • medicine to prevent organ transplant rejection; or some pain or arthritis medicines (including aspirin, Tylenol, Advil, and Aleve).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with bacitracin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about bacitracin injection.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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