Bacitracin, Topical

“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Bacitracin, Topical during a consultation by Dr Noor. Bacitracin, Topical for pets in Perth.”

Bacitracin, Topical for pets

(bas-i-tray-sin)

Description:

This is an antibiotic medicine used on the skin.

Other Names for this Medication:

There are no other names listed.

Common Dosage Forms:

For animals: no standard veterinary form is listed.
For people: it comes as an ointment in different tube sizes.

Antimicrobial Classification:

Important

This handout does not include every piece of information that exists about this medicine, and it has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine. It is meant to answer common questions, but it does not replace medical guidance. If you still have questions or need more details about this medicine, contact your veterinarian or your pharmacist.

Key Information

This medicine is used on the skin to help stop infection after small cuts, scrapes, or minor burns.
It may be put on the skin as often as 3 times a day, and you may cover the area with an appropriate bandage or dressing.
Using it for longer than 1 week is not recommended.
Do not use it in the eye or on the skin right around the eye.

How is this medication useful?

However, in some cases, veterinarians may prescribe and use products that contain this medicine for different animal species. You and your veterinarian can talk about why this medicine is the best option.

What should I tell my veterinarian to see if this medication can be safely given?

Many different factors can change how well this medicine works for your animal. Talk with your veterinarian about the points below so you can make treatment choices together.

Some medicines can affect how this product works, especially medicines that can harm the kidneys. Tell your veterinarian and pharmacist about everything your animal receives, including medicines, vitamins, supplements, or herbal products. Also share the dose amount and the time you give each one.
Tell your veterinarian about any health problems your animal has now, or has had before.
If your animal has had treatment in the past for the same problem, tell your veterinarian what was used and whether it helped or did not help.
If your animal is pregnant or nursing, discuss the possible risks of using this medicine.
Tell your veterinarian and pharmacist about any side effects your animal has had from medicines in the past. Examples listed include allergic reactions, reduced appetite, diarrhea, itching, and hair loss.

How long until I will know if this medication is working, and how long will the effects of this medication last?

You may need to give several doses before you notice any change. The full benefit may not be clear until your animal has received the medicine regularly for several weeks. You should see your animal’s signs improve little by little until the medicine reaches its full effect.

The effect does not last long. It stops working within 24 hours.

When should this medication not be used or be used very carefully?

No medicine is completely safe for every patient. Your veterinarian will talk with you about any special concerns for your animal.

If your animal has any of the situations listed below, discuss the possible risks and benefits with your veterinarian.

Animals that have an allergy to bacitracin or to any other ingredient in the product
Animals with open, broken skin sores
Animals with deep puncture injuries, bite wounds from animals, or severe skin infections and burns
Wounds that involve a large area of the body surface

What are the side effects of this medication?

When this skin medicine is used on a small spot, side effects are not common. However, if it is used on large body areas or used for a long time, issues may happen.

If you notice any of the signs below, contact your veterinarian right away.

Vomiting, reduced appetite
Low energy
A rash or an allergic-type skin reaction

If my animal gets too much of this medication (an overdose), what should I do?

Because this is used on the skin, giving too much is not expected. However, side effects or poisoning could happen if your animal eats the medicine. If that occurs, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center for guidance.

How should this medication be given?

For the medicine to work as intended, use it exactly the way your veterinarian instructed. Read the prescription label and the package details to confirm you are using it correctly.

After you apply it, prevent your animal from licking or chewing the area for at least 20 to 30 minutes.
Children should not apply this product.
This medicine may be used for different lengths of time. Make sure you understand how long your veterinarian wants you to keep using it. You may need prescription refills before the full course is finished. If you want to stop using this medicine, speak with your veterinarian first, because there may be important reasons to continue.

What should I do if I miss giving a dose of this medication?

If you forget a dose, apply it when you remember. If it is close to the time for the next scheduled dose, do not give the missed one. Instead, give the next dose at the regular time. Then continue with the normal schedule.

How should I store this medication?

Keep this medicine in the original prescription container. Store it at room temperature and keep it away from light.
If your veterinarian or pharmacist has made a special custom version for your animal (a compounded product), follow the storage directions and the expiration date provided for that product.
Store it where children and other animals cannot reach it.

Can handling this medication be hazardous to me, my family, or other animals?

If you follow the label directions, there are no special handling warnings unless you are allergic to this medicine.

This product is not meant to be used inside the body for animals or people. Do not let children handle it.
Use gloves when you apply it so you do not absorb the medicine through your skin.
After handling any medicine, wash your hands.

FIRST AID:

INHALATION: Move the person to fresh air. If the person is not breathing, provide artificial breathing or give oxygen if you are trained to do so. Get medical help immediately.
SKIN CONTACT: Right away, wash the skin with soap and a large amount of water for at least 15 minutes. Take off clothing that has the product on it. Get medical help if symptoms appear. Wash the clothing before wearing it again.
EYE CONTACT: Keep the eyelids open and rinse the eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Have medical staff examine and test the eyes.
INGESTION: Rinse the mouth with water if the person is conscious. Never give anything by mouth to someone who is unconscious. Get medical help. Do NOT make the person vomit unless medical staff tell you to.

How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?

Do not flush this medicine in the toilet and do not pour it into a sink drain.
If your area has a community medicine “take-back” program, use that option. If there is no take-back program, combine the medicine with coffee grounds or cat litter so it is unattractive to children and animals and not recognizable to people who might search through trash. Put that mixture into a sealable plastic bag to prevent leaks, and throw the bag into the regular trash.
Do not keep leftover medicine to use later, and do not give it to anyone else.

What other information is important for this medication?

Some animal competitions may not allow the use of this medicine. Before entering a competition while your animal is receiving this medicine, check the rules.
If you have more questions about this medicine, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist.

“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”

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Bacitracin, Topical

Bacitracin, Topical