Bacitracin and Polymyxin B



AK-Poly-Bac®; Betadine® First Aid Antibiotics + Moisturizer [OTC]; Polysporin® Ophthalmic; Polysporin® Topical [OTC]







Bacitracin and Polymyxin B

(bas i TRAY sin & pol i MIKS in bee)

U.S. Brand Names
AK-Poly-Bac®; Betadine® First Aid Antibiotics + Moisturizer [OTC]; Polysporin® Ophthalmic; Polysporin® Topical [OTC]
Canadian Brand Names
LID-Pack®; Optimyxin®
Pharmacologic Category
Antibiotic, Ophthalmic; Antibiotic, Topical
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to bacitracin, polymyxin b, or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat or prevent skin infections.
  • This medicine is used to treat or prevent eye infections.
How does it work?
  • Bacitracin and polymyxin b work to injure the bacteria and fight the infection.
How is it best taken?
  • Wash hands before and after use.
  • Skin: Powder and ointment (topical):
  • Wash your hands before and after use.
  • Clean affected area before use. Make sure to dry well.
  • Skin: Powder (topical):
  • Sprinkle powder over affected area.
  • Skin: Ointment (topical):
  • Apply a thin layer to the affected skin and rub in gently.
  • The treatment area may be covered with dressing.
  • Eye:
  • For the eye only.
  • Tilt head back.
  • Pull down lower eyelid of affected eye/eyes.
  • Apply a thin film of ointment into the lower eye.
  • Close eye and roll eyeball around for 1-2 minutes.
  • Use other eye medicine 10 minutes after the ointment.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Do not use longer than needed. Secondary infections may develop.
  • Use care when applying. Staining may occur.
  • Avoid wearing contacts unless instructed by healthcare provider.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Swelling.
  • Rash.
  • Itching.
  • Irritation.
  • Eye:
  • Blurred vision. Use caution when driving or doing other tasks that require you to have clear vision.
  • Tearing.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • For the occurrence of side effects.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Signs or symptoms of infection. These include a fever of 100.5 degrees or higher, chills, severe sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, increased sputum or change in color, painful urination, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain.
  • Severe skin irritation.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
  • Protect from heat.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: