Bacitracin (Bacitracin) Drug Information: Warnings and Precautions

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May 25, 2012

Bacitracin

Impetigo »

What is impetigo? What causes impetigo?

Impetigo (pronounced im-puh-TIE-go) is a contagious, superficial infection of the skin caused by staphylococcus (Staph) and streptococcus (Strep) bacteria. Impetigo is more common in children (especially 2- to 5-year-olds) than in adults. Impetigo is most likely to occur in warm and humid environments and is most commonly spread by close contact (such as family members).

What are the types of impetigo, and what are impetigo symptoms and signs? What does impetigo look like?

There are two kinds of impetigo:

Non-bullous impetigo: This is the common form, caused by both Staph and Strep bacteria. This form initially presents as small red papules similar to insect bites. These lesions rapidly evolve to small blisters and then to pustules that finally scab over with a characteristic honey-colored crust. This entire process takes about one week. These lesions often st...

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WARNINGS

No information provided.

PRECAUTIONS

See "Warning Box" for precautions in regard to kidney toxicity associated with intramuscular use of bacitracin.

Adequate fluid intake should be maintained orally, or if necessary, by parenteral method.

As with other antibiotics, use of this drug may result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms, including fungi. If superinfection occurs, appropriate therapy should be instituted.

Prescribing Bacitracin in the absence of a proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection or a prophylactic indication is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria.

Last reviewed on RxList: 5/5/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.