Bacitracin, lidocaine, and polymyxin B topical

Generic name: bacitracin, lidocaine, and polymyxin B topical
Brand name: Bactine Max Antibiotic
Dosage form: topical ointment (500 units-40 mg-10,000 units/g)
Drug class: Topical anti-infectives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jul 22, 2025. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is bacitracin, lidocaine, and polymyxin B topical?

Bacitracin, lidocaine, and polymyxin B topical (for the skin) is a combination medicine used in adults and children at least 2 years old to help prevent infection and relieve pain from small cuts, scrapes, and burns for a short period of time.

Bacitracin, lidocaine, and polymyxin B topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Bacitracin, lidocaine, and polymyxin B topical side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects may be more likely, or you may have none at all.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

Follow all directions on the label and package. Use exactly as directed. Tell your healthcare provider if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use bacitracin, lidocaine, and polymyxin B topical if you are allergic to it.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if bacitracin, lidocaine, and polymyxin B topical is safe to use if you have or have ever had:

• deep or puncture wounds;

• animal bites; or

• serious burns.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not apply this medicine to a child without medical advice.

How should I use bacitracin, lidocaine, and polymyxin B topical?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin.

Wash your hands before and after applying bacitracin, lidocaine, and polymyxin B topical.

Bacitracin, lidocaine, and polymyxin B topical is applied on the affected area 1 to 3 times daily. Clean the affected area before using this medicine. The area where the medicine is applied may be covered with a sterile bandage.

Do not use bacitracin, lidocaine, and polymyxin B topical longer than 1 week unless your doctor tells you to.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Bacitracin, lidocaine, and polymyxin B topical dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Infection Prophylaxis:

Apply a small amount (equal to the surface area of the finger tip) on the affected area 1 to 3 times daily

Comments:
-Clean affected area prior to using this drug.
-May be covered with a sterile bandage.
-Do not use for more than 1 week unless deemed appropriate.
-Do not use in or near the eyes or on large areas of the body.


Use: For first aid use to help prevent infection and temporarily relieve pain due to minor cuts, scrapes, and burns

Usual Adult Dose for Pain:

Apply a small amount (equal to the surface area of the finger tip) on the affected area 1 to 3 times daily

Comments:
-Clean affected area prior to using this drug.
-May be covered with a sterile bandage.
-Do not use for more than 1 week unless deemed appropriate.
-Do not use in or near the eyes or on large areas of the body.


Use: For first aid use to help prevent infection and temporarily relieve pain due to minor cuts, scrapes, and burns

Usual Pediatric Dose for Infection Prophylaxis:

2 years and older:

Apply a small amount (equal to the surface area of the finger tip) on the affected area 1 to 3 times daily

Comments:
-Clean affected area prior to using this drug.
-May be covered with a sterile bandage.
-Do not use for more than 1 week unless deemed appropriate.
-Do not use in or near the eyes or on large areas of the body.

Use: For first aid use to help prevent infection and temporarily relieve pain due to minor cuts, scrapes, and burns

Usual Pediatric Dose for Pain:

2 years and older:

Apply a small amount (equal to the surface area of the finger tip) on the affected area 1 to 3 times daily

Comments:
-Clean affected area prior to using this drug.
-May be covered with a sterile bandage.
-Do not use for more than 1 week unless deemed appropriate.
-Do not use in or near the eyes or on large areas of the body.

Use: For first aid use to help prevent infection and temporarily relieve pain due to minor cuts, scrapes, and burns

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medicine.

What should I avoid while using bacitracin, lidocaine, and polymyxin B topical?

Avoid getting bacitracin, lidocaine, and polymyxin B topical in or near your eyes and over large areas of your body.

What other drugs will affect bacitracin, lidocaine, and polymyxin B topical?

Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use, but many drugs can interact. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Further information

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.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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