Generic name: bacitracin (injection) [ BAS-i-TRAY-sin ]
Brand names: Baci-IM injection, Baci-IM, Baci-Rx
Dosage form: intramuscular powder for injection (50000 units)
Drug class: Miscellaneous antibiotics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 17, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

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.

Bacitracin injection side effects

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.

Related/similar drugs

amoxicillin, doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, metronidazole, clindamycin

Warnings

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.

Before taking this medicine

Your baby should not receive bacitracin 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.

Bacitracin dosing information

Usual Pediatric Dose for Pneumonia:

Infants:
-Under 2.5 kg: 900 units/kg/24 hours IM in 2 or 3 divided doses
-Over 2.5 kg: 1000 units/kg/24 hours IM in 2 or 3 divided doses

Use: For the treatment of pneumonia and empyema due to staphylococci with confirmed susceptibility to this drug

Usual Pediatric Dose for Bacterial Infection:

Infants:
-Under 2.5 kg: 900 units/kg/24 hours IM in 2 or 3 divided doses
-Over 2.5 kg: 1000 units/kg/24 hours IM in 2 or 3 divided doses

Use: For the treatment of pneumonia and empyema due to staphylococci with confirmed susceptibility to this drug

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 bacitracin 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 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.

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

Copyright 1996-2024 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 3.01.