Bacitracin is an antibiotic that fights bacteria.

Bacitracin topical (for the skin) is used to prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns.

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

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Clean the skin area before applying bacitracin topical.

You may apply bacitracin to the affected area 1 to 3 times per day. Apply only enough to cover the area you are treating.

Do not use this medication over large areas of skin.

You may cover the treated skin with a bandage.

Do not use bacitracin for longer than 7 days in a row. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you develop a skin rash.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.

You should not use bacitracin topical if you are allergic to bacitracin, mineral oil, or petroleum jelly.

Do not use bacitracin topical to treat animal bites, puncture wounds, deep skin wounds, or severe burns. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if you are not sure.

Bacitracin is not expected to harm an unborn baby.

It is not known whether bacitracin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Since bacitracin topical is when needed, you are not likely to miss a dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

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 topical is for use only on the skin. Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, mouth, rectum, or vagina. If this does happen, rinse with water.

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 are 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.

If your doctor has told you to use this medication, keep all appointments with your doctor. Call your doctor if you still have symptoms of infection after you finish using this medication as directed.

Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about bacitracin ointment.

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.