What it means
An antibiotic that stops some bacteria from building their cell walls. It is used on the skin alone or combined with other antibiotics in ointments such as Neosporin and Polysporin, and as an eye ointment. Some people develop an allergic skin rash from it. An injected form exists but is rarely used because it can harm the kidneys.
For the nurse
Teach the client to clean the area first, apply a thin layer one to three times a day, and stop and report if a rash, itching or swelling appears.
At a glance
| Drug class | topical antibiotic |
|---|---|
| Spanish | bacitracina |
Related terms
antibiotic
A drug that kills bacteria or stops them from growing.
laceration
A cut or tear in the skin or other tissue, often with jagged edges.