Bacitracin, Intramuscular bass-i-TRAY-sin

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: anti-infective

Generic and brand names: bacitracin, injection; Baci-IM

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is given to infants by injection into a muscle. It is used to treat certain types of bacterial infections. It does not treat viruses, such as the common cold. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

What should my healthcare provider know before my child takes this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if your child has ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine
• kidney problems.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

This medicine must be given by injection by your child's healthcare provider. The injections are usually given at a hospital where your child is closely observed. Daily lab tests will be done to monitor the effects of this medicine on your child.

What should I watch out for?

Be sure your child gets enough fluids while receiving this medicine. Fluids may be given to your child by IV infusion (through a tube and needle into a vein).

If your child needs emergency care or surgery, tell the healthcare provider that your child has received this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your infant's body adjusts to the medicine. Healthcare providers will watch closely for any side effects.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious: Decrease in urine output, fever, sweating, unexplained bleeding or bruising.

Other: Nausea, vomiting, skin rash, pain at injection site, muscle weakness, swelling.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When your child receives this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Some medicines that may interact with this medicine are:

• other antibiotics such as amikacin, gentamicin, kanamycin, neomycin, streptomycin, tobramycin, and vancomycin (Vancocin)
• anesthetics and muscle relaxants used during surgery
• antifungal medicines such as amphotericin B (AmBisome, Abelcet)

If you are not sure if your child's medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your child's medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products your child is taking.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Do not share medicines with other people.