Side Effects

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: burning/swelling/redness in or around the eye.

Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a new fungal eye infection. Do not use this medication for longer than prescribed. Contact your doctor if you notice new or worsening symptoms.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), chest tightness, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Uses

This medication is an antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial eye infections. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.This medication treats only bacterial eye infections. It will not work for other types of eye infections. Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

How to use Bacitracin 500 Unit/Gram Eye Ointment

Do not wear contact lenses while you are using this medicine. Sterilize contact lenses according to manufacturer’s directions, and check with your doctor before you begin using them again.

To apply eye ointments, wash hands first. To avoid contamination, be careful not to touch the tube tip or let it touch your eye. Tilt your head back, look upward, and gently pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Place a 1/4 to 1/2 inch (0.5 to 1.5 centimeter) strip of ointment into the pouch. Gently close the eye and roll the eyeball in all directions to spread the medication. Try not to blink and do not rub the eye.

If you are treating an infection of the eyelid, first clean all scales and crusts away from the area before applying the eye ointment on the eyelid.

Repeat these steps for your other eye if so directed. Apply the medication as directed by your doctor, usually 1 to 3 times daily.

Wipe the tip of the ointment tube with a clean tissue to remove extra medication before recapping it.

If you are using another kind of eye medication (such as drops or ointments), wait at least 5 to 10 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the drops to enter the eye.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

Precautions

Before using bacitracin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to neomycin; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history.

After you apply this drug, your vision may become temporarily blurred. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires clear vision until you can do it safely.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.
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Overdose

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Do not share this medication with others.

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Throw away the unused medication after treatment is completed. Do not use it later for another infection unless your doctor tells you to.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature away from heat. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.