Bacitracin Disease Interactions

There are 3 disease interactions with bacitracin:

Pseudomembranous colitis has been reported with most antibacterial agents and may range in severity from mild to life-threatening, with an onset of up to several weeks following cessation of therapy. Antibiotic therapy can alter the normal flora of the colon and permit overgrowth of Clostridium difficile, whose toxin is believed to be a primary cause of antibiotic-associated colitis. The colitis is usually characterized by severe, persistent diarrhea and severe abdominal cramps, and may be associated with the passage of blood and mucus. The most common culprits are clindamycin, lincomycin, the aminopenicillins (amoxicillin, ampicillin), and the cephalosporins. Therapy with broad-spectrum antibiotics and other agents with significant antibacterial activity should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of gastrointestinal diseases, particularly colitis. There is some evidence that pseudomembranous colitis, if it occurs, may run a more severe course in these patients and that it may be associated with flares in their underlying disease activity. The offending antibiotic(s) should be discontinued if significant diarrhea occurs during therapy. Stool cultures for Clostridium difficile and stool assay for C. difficile toxin may be helpful diagnostically. A large bowel endoscopy may be considered to establish a definitive diagnosis in cases of severe diarrhea.

Adequate hydration is crucial to minimize the risk of nephrotoxicity associated with the systemic use of bacitracin. Dehydration should preferably be corrected prior to initiation of therapy. In patients who may be at risk for dehydration, such as those with severe and/or prolonged diarrhea or vomiting, fluid status should be monitored closely. If signs of renal irritation develop during therapy, hydration should be increased as indicated, accompanied by a reduction in dosage if necessary. Therapy should be withdrawn if urinary output decreases progressively or azotemia increases.

The systemic use of bacitracin is contraindicated in patients with elevated BUN or nonprotein nitrogen or other evidence of renal impairment. Bacitracin is highly nephrotoxic and may cause glomerular and tubular necrosis, manifested initially by albuminuria, hematuria, cylindruria, and rising blood concentrations of the drug, then eventually by oliguria, azotemia, and renal failure. Bacitracin-induced nephrotoxicity is related to the total daily dosage and the duration of administration. To minimize the risk of toxicity, patients should be adequately hydrated, urine should be alkalinized to pH 6 or greater, the usual dosage should not be exceeded, and use with other nephrotoxic agents should be avoided. Renal function should be closely monitored, and therapy withdrawn promptly if toxicity develops.

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bacitracin drug Interactions

There are 60 drug interactions with bacitracin

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