Dosage Forms
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Ointment, External:
Double Antibiotic: Bacitracin 500 units and polymyxin B 10,000 units per g (1 ea, 14 g, 14.17 g, 28 g, 28.35 g, 28.4 g)
Polysporin: Bacitracin 500 units and polymyxin B 10,000 units per g (1 ea, 14.2 g, 28.3 g)
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
See individual agents.
Pharmacokinetics/Pharmacodynamics
Absorption
Insignificant from intact skin or mucous membrane
Use: Labeled Indications
Topical infection prevention: Prevention of infection in minor cuts, scrapes, or burns
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to bacitracin, polymyxin B, or any component of the formulation
Dosage and Administration
Dosing: Adult
Topical infection prevention: Topical: Apply to affected area 1 to 3 times/day; may cover with sterile bandage if needed.
Dosing: Geriatric
Refer to adult dosing.
Dosing: Pediatric
Prevention of infection: Infants, Children, and Adolescents: Topical ointment: Apply to the affected area 1 to 3 times daily; may cover with sterile bandage if needed
Administration
Topical: Do not use topical ointment in the eyes; avoid contact of tube tip with skin.
Drug Interactions
There are no known significant interactions.
Adverse Reactions
See individual agents.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Risk Factor
C
Pregnancy Considerations
Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with this combination.
Patient Education
- Discuss specific use of drug and side effects with patient as it relates to treatment. (HCAHPS: During this hospital stay, were you given any medicine that you had not taken before? Before giving you any new medicine, how often did hospital staff tell you what the medicine was for? How often did hospital staff describe possible side effects in a way you could understand?)
- Educate patient about signs of a significant reaction (eg, wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat). Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Patient should consult prescriber for additional questions.
Intended Use and Disclaimer: Should not be printed and given to patients. This information is intended to serve as a concise initial reference for health care professionals to use when discussing medications with a patient. You must ultimately rely on your own discretion, experience, and judgment in diagnosing, treating, and advising patients.
