Bacitracin and polymyxin b (Topical application)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In Canada

• Our Best Antibiotic Ointment

Available Dosage Forms:

• Ointment
• Bandage

Therapeutic Class: Antibacterial Combination

Uses for bacitracin and polymyxin b

Bacitracin and polymyxin B is used to prevent infections caused by minor cuts, scrapes, or burns.

Bacitracin and polymyxin B belong to the class of medicines known as antibiotics. They work by killing the bacteria or preventing their growth.

Bacitracin and polymyxin b is available without a prescription.

Before using bacitracin and polymyxin b

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For bacitracin and polymyxin b, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to bacitracin and polymyxin b or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of bacitracin and polymyxin B topical ointment in pediatric patients.

Geriatric

No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of bacitracin and polymyxin B topical ointment in geriatric patients.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking bacitracin and polymyxin b, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using bacitracin and polymyxin b with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

• Alcuronium
• Atracurium
• Cisatracurium
• Doxacurium
• Fazadinium
• Gallamine
• Hexafluorenium
• Metocurine
• Mivacurium
• Pancuronium
• Pipecuronium
• Rapacuronium
• Rocuronium
• Tubocurarine
• Vecuronium

Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other medical problems

The...