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Bacitracin

Peptide

Bacitracin is a cyclic polypeptide antibiotic from Bacillus licheniformis, FDA-approved 1948. Primarily TOPICAL use for gram-positive skin infections. Combination products (triple antibiotic with neomycin/polymyxin B) are OTC first-aid kit staples. B-GRADE evidence: Cardiac surgery review (n=1495) showed zero deep sternal wound infections with prophylactic use. SAFETY: Systemic use ABANDONED due to severe nephrotoxicity. Topical is safe but allergic contact dermatitis occurs in 7-9% with prolonged exposure. One of the oldest antibiotics still in widespread use.

Quick Answer

What it is

Bacitracin is a cyclic polypeptide antibiotic from Bacillus licheniformis, FDA-approved 1948. Primarily TOPICAL use for gram-positive skin infections.

Key findings

  • Grade A: Systemic Nephrotoxicity (Kidney Health)
  • Grade B: Wound Infection Prevention (Skin Health)
  • Grade B: Sternal Wound Prophylaxis (Skin Health)

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

⚠️ Research Notice

This peptide information is for educational and research purposes only. Peptides may not be FDA-approved for human use and may only be legally available for research purposes. Consult qualified healthcare professionals before considering any peptide compounds.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Bacitracin

Quick Facts: Bacitracin

  • Best Evidence:Grade A
  • Conditions Studied:3
  • Research Outcomes:7
  • Grade A Findings:1
  • Grade B Findings:4
  • Key Effect:Kidney Health
A1
B4
C1
D1
3 conditions · 7 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

|
A
Systemic Nephrotoxicity
SAFETY CONCERN: Systemic administration causes severe nephrotoxicity - reason for topical-only use restriction. Parenteral use abandoned. Excreted 87% renally within 6 hours. Topical absorption negligible.
large↑Worsens
B
Wound Infection Prevention
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 trials: Topical antibiotics reduce wound infections vs placebo. Cardiac surgery (n=1495): Zero deep sternal wound infections with routine bacitracin. Widely used for minor cuts, scrapes, burns.
moderate↑Improves
B
Sternal Wound Prophylaxis
Retrospective review (n=1495 cardiac surgeries): Routine topical bacitracin on incision associated with absence of deep sternal wound infections. Safe and inexpensive adjunct strategy.
large↑Improves
B
Allergic Contact Dermatitis
SAFETY CONCERN: Allergic contact dermatitis in 7.7-9.2% with prolonged use. Delayed hypersensitivity may not appear until 96 hours. Rare anaphylactic reactions reported. Patch test before extended use.
small↑Worsens
B
Ophthalmic Infections
FDA-approved ophthalmic formulation for bacterial conjunctivitis and eye infections. Often combined with polymyxin B. Standard therapy for bacterial eye infections.
moderate↑Improves
C
Antimicrobial Activity
3 preclinical studies support this finding. Primarily preclinical evidence.
small↑Improves
D
Kidney Function
2 preclinical studies support this finding. Primarily preclinical evidence.
small↑Improves

Related Peptides

Gramicidin

Peptide

2 shared conditions · 8 outcomes

Gramicidin is a cyclic peptide antibiotic from Bacillus brevis, first isolated 1941, FDA-approved 1955 as Neosporin component. Topical use only (lozenges, eye drops, ointments) due to hemolysis. Gramicidin D (mixture of A/B/C) used clinically. Ophthalmic study (n=91): Effective and safe for bacterial corneal ulceration. Combined with polymyxin B and neomycin. One of first membrane-active peptide antibiotics. SAFETY CONCERN: Highly hemolytic - systemic use contraindicated.