Bacitracin is an antibiotic that kills bacteria.

Bacitracin ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat bacterial infections of the eyes.

Bacitracin ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Do not use bacitracin ophthalmic if you have a viral or fungal infection in your eye. Bacitracin ophthalmic treats only infections that are caused by bacteria.

bacitracin ophthalmic is usually applied 3 times per day. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Wash your hands before using eye medication.

To apply the ointment:

• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the ointment tube with the tip pointing toward this pocket. Look up and away from the tip.

• Squeeze out a ribbon of ointment into the lower eyelid pocket without touching the tip of the tube to your eye. Blink your eye gently and then keep it closed for 1 or 2 minutes.

• Use a tissue to wipe excess ointment from your eyelashes.

• After opening your eyes, you may have blurred vision for a short time. Avoid driving or doing anything that requires you to be able to see clearly.

Do not touch the tip of the ointment tube or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated tube tip can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Bacitracin ophthalmic will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the tube tightly closed when not in use.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to bacitracin.

Do not use bacitracin ophthalmic if you have a viral or fungal infection in your eye. This medicine treats only infections that are caused by bacteria.

You should not use bacitracin ophthalmic to treat any eye infection that has not been checked by your doctor.

To make sure bacitracin is safe for you, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions or allergies.

Bacitracin ophthalmic is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether bacitracin passes into breast milk or if it could affect the nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

An overdose of bacitracin ophthalmic is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

bacitracin ophthalmic may cause blurred vision. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be able to see clearly.

Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects may be more likely, and you may have none at all.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

• Cortisporin® (containing Bacitracin Zinc, Hydrocortisone, Neomycin, Polymyxin B Sulfates)
• Ocu-Cort® (containing Bacitracin Zinc, Hydrocortisone, Neomycin, Polymyxin B Sulfates)
• Polysporin® (containing Bacitracin Zinc, Polymyxin B Sulfates)