Sometimes your doctor may decide to give you a shot to treat a bacterial infection. Bacitracin is a special antibiotic that is often only given in a hospital setting to treat such infections. So, if your doctor tells you to get this shot, here are some important things you need to know.
What kind of medicine is Bacitracin?
Simply put, Bacitracin is an antibiotic, meaning it kills bacteria . It is used to treat infections caused by certain types of bacteria that enter our bodies.
One thing to remember is that this medicine can only treat bacterial infections. It has no effect on illnesses caused by viruses, such as colds and flu. Therefore, it is very important to use it only if prescribed by a doctor, and as directed.
Things you should definitely tell your doctor before getting vaccinated
For your safety and the success of your treatment, it is important to tell your doctor the following information before using this vaccine. Do not hide these things, as they may affect your health.
- Allergies: Be sure to tell your doctor if you have an allergy to bacitracin, neomycin, or other antibiotics. Also, tell your doctor if you have any allergies to any other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
- Kidney Disease: If you have any kidney-related condition, it is essential to inform your doctor about it, as this medication is eliminated from the body through the kidneys.
- Muscle or nerve diseases: Tell us if you have a muscle-weakening disease like myasthenia gravis or another neuromuscular disease.
- Pregnancy or planning to have a baby: If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant soon, you should tell your doctor before taking this medicine.
- If you are breastfeeding: If you are a breastfeeding mother, also inform your doctor.
How do you use this medicine?
Bacitracin is an intramuscular injection . It is usually given by a doctor or nurse in a hospital or clinic. This means it is not a medicine you can buy from a pharmacy and inject yourself.
However, very rarely, in some special cases, you may need to receive this vaccine at home. In that case, you will be given good training on how to prepare it and how to inject it correctly. In such a case, you should follow the instructions given exactly. Take the exact dose, exactly when the doctor tells you. Do not stop the treatment until the doctor tells you to stop.
Can this medicine be given to children?
In some special cases, this medicine is given to children. But it is done very carefully and under special medical supervision. Therefore, if you are giving this medicine to a child, talk to your doctor about it carefully.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, do not hesitate to go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share this medicine with anyone else for any reason.
What if I miss a dose?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Other medications you are taking may interact with Bacitracin. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (prescribed or over-the-counter), including herbal remedies, vitamins, and dietary supplements. It is also important to tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Below are some medications that may interact with Bacitracin.
| Drug category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Other types of antibiotics | Colistin, Kanamycin, Neomycin, Polymyxin, Streptomycin |
| Medications that increase urination | Diuretics (e.g. Furosemide) |
| Types of hormones | Estrogen or progestin hormones |
This list is not complete, so it's best to tell your doctor about all the medications you take.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- Follow-ups: Your doctor will call you back to see how your condition is progressing. Be sure to go at that time. If your symptoms don't improve or seem to be getting worse, tell your doctor.
- Blood Tests: While taking this medicine, you may need to have blood tests to check things like your kidney function.
- Food and fluids: You may be told to follow a special diet. Also, ask your doctor how much water you should drink each day. Drinking plenty of fluids is very important to reduce the effects of this medicine on your kidneys.
Side effects that may occur with this medicine
Like any medicine, Bacitracin can cause some side effects. Some of them are serious, some are not so serious. The important thing is to be aware of these symptoms and take action quickly if necessary.
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Kidney injury | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
| Stomach ache | Severe diarrhea (diarrhea), fever. |
| Vaginal problems | Women may experience unusual vaginal discharge, itching, or odor. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Nausea | Feeling like vomiting. |
| Pain at the injection site | Pain, redness, or slight swelling at the injection site. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything unusual or different, talk to your doctor about it.
How do you store and dispose of the medicine?
This medicine is usually given in a hospital, so you don't have to worry about storing it. However, if you have to use it at home, you will be given instructions on how to store it.
It is very important to keep it out of reach of children and pets.
You should safely dispose of expired or no longer needed medications. Ask your doctor or clinic how to do this.
Take-Home Message
- Bacitracin is a powerful antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It does not work against viral infections.
- Before taking the medication, be sure to tell your doctor about any allergies, kidney disease, and other medical conditions you have.
- Complete the treatment as prescribed by the doctor, for the full duration. Do not stop halfway.
- If you experience serious side effects such as facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or decreased urination, seek medical advice immediately.
- Drink plenty of water while taking this medicine and follow your doctor's instructions exactly.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න