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Active pharmaceutical ingredient

Bacitracin

Bacitracin is a potent antibiotic primarily used in topical formulations to prevent and treat bacterial infections.

Compounded to order
Prescription required

About this ingredient

Bacitracin is a polypeptide antibiotic primarily used in topical formulations to prevent and treat minor skin infections. It is derived from Bacillus subtilis and works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, making it effective against a range of Gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species.

Due to its mechanism of action, Bacitracin is often utilized in compounded formulations for its potent antibacterial properties, especially in cases where localized treatment is necessary. Its use is particularly advantageous in patients who may be allergic to other antibiotics, as it is less likely to cause systemic allergic reactions.

In clinical practice, Bacitracin is valued for its minimal systemic absorption when applied topically, reducing the risk of systemic toxicity. This makes it a preferred choice for treating superficial skin infections, wounds, and surgical incisions, where localized antibacterial action is desired without significant systemic exposure.

Prescribers should be aware that while Bacitracin is effective against many Gram-positive organisms, it is not effective against Gram-negative bacteria or fungi. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the specific microbial flora involved in an infection when selecting Bacitracin as a treatment option.

Additionally, Bacitracin is often compounded with other active ingredients to enhance its therapeutic efficacy or to target a broader spectrum of pathogens. This flexibility in compounding allows for tailored formulations that meet the specific needs of individual patients, optimizing therapeutic outcomes.

Compounded at Bayview

How we prepare this ingredient

Patient guides for the preparations we make most often. Each one is compounded to order and requires a prescription.

We do not have a patient page for this ingredient yet. That does not mean we cannot make it. Bayview compounds this ingredient to a prescriber's order, and our full compounding formulary lists every preparation we make. Viewing the formulary requires a prescriber account.

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For prescribers

Full formulary with this ingredient

Every preparation in our formulary that contains this ingredient. Strength, base and dose form are set by the prescription.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

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Related

Related active ingredients

Other salt forms of this molecule, and ingredients commonly compounded alongside it.

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Important information

This page describes an active pharmaceutical ingredient, not a finished drug product. Bayview Pharmacy compounds preparations containing it only on a prescriber's order for an individual patient.

Compounded preparations are not FDA-approved, and the FDA has not evaluated them for safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing quality. Nothing on this page is a claim that any preparation is effective for any condition.

A valid prescription is required. Availability depends on Bayview's licensure in your state. This page is general information, not medical advice — discuss your situation with a licensed healthcare provider.

Talk to a compounding pharmacist

Our pharmacists work with prescribers to build preparations around a patient's dose, form and tolerances. Ask us what is possible with this ingredient.