Bacitracin Ophthalmic
- Bacitracin ophthalmic is the generic name for bacitracin (BAS I TRAY sin off THAL mik)
- Brand names include AK-Tracin, Ocu-Tracin, and Baciguent Ophthalmic.
- Ophthalmic ointment (500 units/g) is the most common dosage form.
- Ophthalmic anti-infectives are a type of medication.
What exactly is bacitracin ophthalmic?
- Bacitracin is an antibiotic that is used to kill bacteria.
- Bacitracin ophthalmic (for the eyes) is an antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections of the eyes.
- Bacitracin ophthalmic may also be used for other than those listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
If you have a viral or fungal infection in your eye, do not use bacitracin ophthalmic. Bacitracin ophthalmic is only used to treat bacterial infections.
Prior to using this medication,
- If you are allergic to bacitracin, you should not use this medication.
- If you have a viral or fungal infection in your eye, do not use bacitracin ophthalmic.
This medication only treats infections caused by bacteria. - Bacitracin ophthalmic should not be used to treat any eye infection that has not been diagnosed by your doctor.
- Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions and allergies to ensure that bacitracin is safe for you.
- Bacitracin ophthalmic is not expected to harm a developing baby.
If you are pregnant, notify your doctor. - It is unknown whether bacitracin enters breast milk or if it can harm a nursing baby.
- If you are breast-feeding, inform your doctor.
- Do not give this medication to a child without first seeking medical advice.
How do I apply bacitracin ophthalmic?
Bacitracin ophthalmic is typically used three times per day. All of the instructions on your prescription label must be followed. Use this medication in larger or smaller doses, or for longer than recommended.Before applying eye medication, wash your hands. To use the ointment, follow these steps:
- To make a small pocket, tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid.
Hold the ointment tube with the tip facing this pocket. Take a step back and look up, away from the tip. - Squeeze a ribbon of ointment into the lower eyelid pocket, being careful not to touch the tip of the tube to your eye. Blink gently and then close your eyes for 1 or 2 minutes.
- Wipe excess ointment from your eyelashes with a tissue.
- For a short period of time after opening your eyes, you may experience blurred vision.
Avoid driving or doing anything else that requires you to see clearly. - Do not touch the ointment tube’s tip or place it directly on your eye.
A contaminated tube tip can infect your eye, causing severe vision problems. - Use this medication for the full amount of time prescribed. Before the infection is completely cleared, your symptoms may improve. Skipping doses may also increase your chances of contracting an antibiotic-resistant infection.
Bacitracin ophthalmic will not cure a viral infection like the flu or a common cold. - If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, contact your doctor.
- Keep away from moisture and heat by storing at room temperature.
Do not become paralysed.
When not in use, keep the tube tightly closed.
What if I forget to take a dose?
As soon as you remember, take the missed dose. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medication to make up for a missed dose.
What happens if I take too much?
An overdose of bacitracin ophthalmic is unlikely to be harmful.
If anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication, seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid if I use bacitracin ophthalmic?
The use of bacitracin ophthalmic may result in blurred vision. Be cautious if you drive or do anything else that requires you to see clearly. Other eye medications should not be used unless prescribed by your doctor.
Side effects of bacitracin ophthalmic
- If you have hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, seek emergency medical attention
- Less severe side effects are more likely, and you may experience none at all.
- This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects; others may occur.
For medical advice on side effects, contact your doctor.
You can contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
More information
Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children, never share your medications with others, and only use this medication for the indication prescribed. Always check with your healthcare provider to ensure that the information on this page applies to your specific situation.
