Baciguent : Uses, Side Effects, Interactions & More
Why is this medication prescribed?
Baciguent (Bacitracin) is used to help prevent minor skin lesions from becoming infected, such as cuts, scratches, and burns. Baciguent belongs to a class of medications called antibiotics. Baciguent works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
How should this medicine be used?
Baciguent (Bacitracin) comes as an ointment to apply to the skin. It is usually used one to three times a day. Baciguent ointment is available over the counter. However, your doctor may give you special instructions on how to use this medicine for your medical problem. Follow the directions on the package or the instructions your doctor gave you carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use Baciguent exactly as directed. Do not use more or less or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor or written on the package.
This medication is for use on the skin only. Do not let Baciguent get into your eyes, nose, or mouth and do not swallow it.
You can use Baciguent to treat minor skin lesions. However, you should not use this medication to treat deep cuts, puncture wounds, animal bites, severe burns, or any injury that affects large areas of your body. You should call your doctor or get emergency medical help if you have these types of injuries. A different treatment may be needed. You should also stop using this medication and call your doctor if using it to treat a mild skin injury and its symptoms do not disappear within 1 week.
Do not apply this medication to a child’s diaper area, especially if the surface of the skin is torn or raw, unless directed by a doctor. If you are told to apply it to a child’s diaper area, do not wear tight diapers or plastic pants.
To use the ointment, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands well with soap and water. Wash the injured area with soap and water and pat it dry with a clean towel.
- Apply a small amount of the ointment (an amount equal to the size of your fingertip) to the injured skin. A thin layer is all that is needed. Do not touch the tip of the tube with your skin, hands, or anything else.
- Replace and tighten the lid immediately.
- You can cover the affected area with a sterile bandage.
- Wash your hands again
Other uses for this medicine
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before using Baciguent,
- Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Baciguent, zinc, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in Baciguent ointment.
- Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using Baciguent, call your doctor.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Baciguent may cause side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop using Baciguent ointment and call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- itching
- rash
- hives
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
Baciguent may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medicine.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor can submit an online report to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Program (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?
Keep this medicine in its container, tightly closed and out of the reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
Unnecessary medications must be disposed of in a special way to ensure that pets, children and others cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medicine down the toilet. Instead, the best way to get rid of your medication is through a medication take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage / recycling department for information on return programs in your community. Consult the FDA’s Safe Drug Disposal 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 medications out of the sight and reach of children, as many containers (such as those for taking pills weekly and those used for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not resistant to children and children. young children can easily open them. To protect young children from poisoning, always close the safety caps and immediately put the medicine in a safe place, one that is up and away and out of your sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org
What other information should I know?
If your doctor has told you to use this medicine, 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 Baciguent ointment.
It is important to keep a written list of all prescription and over-the-counter (non-prescription) medications you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should carry 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 emergencies.
Brand names
- Baciguent
Disclaimer: DrLinex has made every effort to ensure that all information is factually accurate, comprehensive and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a licensed health care professional’s choice of knowledge and expertise. You should always consult your doctor or other health care professional before taking any medication. The information given here is subject to change and it has not been used to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions or adverse effects. The lack of warning or other information for any drug does not indicate that the combination of medicine or medication is safe, effective or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.