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Bacitracin use while Breastfeeding

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 16, 2023.

Drugs containing Bacitracin: Neosporin, Triple Antibiotic, Polysporin First Aid Antibiotic Ointment, BACiiM, Cortomycin Eye Ointment, Polysporin Ophthalmic, Neo-Poly-Bac, Cortisporin Ointment, Neosporin + Pain Relief Ointment, Baciguent, Show all 53 »Polytracin Ophthalmic, Baci-Rx, Triple Antibiotic HC Ophthalmic Ointment, Neo-Polycin, AK-Tracin, Ocu-Tracin, Campho-Phenique Maximum Strength, Neo-Polycin HC, Ocu-Cort, Neotricin HC, Cortisporin Ophthalmic Ointment, ProCoMycin, First Aid Triple Antibiotic with Pain Reliever, Sx1 Medicated Post-Operative System, Neocidin, Triple Antibiotic Ophthalmic Ointment, AK-Spore Ointment, Ocutricin, Neocin, Neosporin Ophthalmic Ointment, Ocu-Spore-B, Septa, Medi-Quik, Mycitracin Triple Antibiotic, Tribiotic Plus, Curad Triple Antibiotic, NEO TO GO!, Neosporin + Pain Relief Neo To Go! First Aid Antibiotic, Neosporin + Pain, Itch, Scar, Mycitracin Plus Pain Reliever, Lanabiotic, Spectrocin Plus, Triple Antibiotic Plus, Neosporin + Burn Relief, Polycin, AK-Poly-Bac, Polycin-B, Simply Neosporin, Duospore, Polytracin, Betadine Antibiotic, Betadine Plus Antibiotic and Pain Reliever, Rash Relief Antibacterial

Bacitracin Levels and Effects while Breastfeeding

Summary of Use during Lactation

Because it is poorly absorbed after topical application and oral ingestion, bacitracin is considered a low risk to the nursing infant.[1] Only water-miscible cream or gel products should be applied to the breast because ointments may expose the infant to high levels of mineral paraffins via licking.[2] Therefore, an alternate cream product is preferred for application to the breast.

Drug Levels

Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects in Breastfed Infants

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Alternate Drugs to Consider

Mupirocin, Ozenoxacin

References

1.
Leachman SA, Reed BR. The use of dermatologic drugs in pregnancy and lactation. Dermatol Clin. 2006;24:167-97. [PubMed: 16677965]
2.
Noti A, Grob K, Biedermann M et al. Exposure of babies to C(15)-C(45) mineral paraffins from human milk and breast salves. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2003;38:317-25. [PubMed: 14623482]

Substance Identification

Substance Name

Bacitracin

CAS Registry Number

1405-87-4

Drug Class

  • Breast Feeding
  • Lactation
  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local
  • Antibacterial Agents

Disclaimer: Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. The U.S. government does not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.

Further information

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