Can't Find Bacitracin? Here Are Your Options

If your pharmacy is out of Bacitracin — whether it's the OTC topical ointment or the prescription ophthalmic form — you don't have to wait around for it to come back in stock. There are several effective alternatives that can help you treat minor wounds or eye infections.

In this article, we'll explain what Bacitracin is, how it works, and walk you through the best alternatives so you can talk to your doctor or pharmacist about switching.

What Is Bacitracin?

Bacitracin is a polypeptide antibiotic that's been used in the United States since the late 1940s. It's one of the most common topical antibiotics found in first aid kits across the country.

Bacitracin comes in two main forms:

• Topical ointment (OTC) — Applied to minor cuts, scrapes, and burns to prevent infection. Available without a prescription at prices ranging from $2.52 to $13.44.
• Ophthalmic ointment (Rx) — Prescribed by doctors for bacterial eye infections like conjunctivitis. Currently in shortage due to Padagis US discontinuing production.

For a complete overview, read our guide on what Bacitracin is and how it's used.

How Does Bacitracin Work?

Bacitracin kills bacteria by interfering with cell wall synthesis. Specifically, it blocks the dephosphorylation of a lipid carrier molecule called C55-isoprenyl pyrophosphate. This molecule is essential for transporting building blocks across the bacterial membrane to construct the cell wall. Without it, bacteria can't build or maintain their cell walls and they die.

This mechanism makes Bacitracin effective against many gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species — the most common culprits in skin infections. For a deeper dive, check out how Bacitracin works.

Alternatives to Bacitracin for Minor Wound Care

If you need Bacitracin for cuts, scrapes, or burns, these alternatives are widely available:

1. Polysporin (Bacitracin + Polymyxin B)

Polysporin is a double antibiotic ointment that actually contains Bacitracin along with Polymyxin B. The addition of Polymyxin B provides broader antibacterial coverage, including some gram-negative bacteria that Bacitracin alone doesn't cover.

• Available: Over the counter
• Price: $5 to $12
• Best for: People who want broader coverage without the allergy risk of neomycin
• Note: If you're specifically allergic to Bacitracin, this is not a suitable alternative since it contains Bacitracin

2. Neosporin (Bacitracin + Neomycin + Polymyxin B)

Neosporin is the well-known triple antibiotic ointment. It covers the broadest range of bacteria among OTC antibiotic ointments because it combines three different antibiotics.

• Available: Over the counter
• Price: $5 to $15
• Best for: People who want maximum antibacterial coverage for wound care
• Caution: Neomycin is a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis. If you develop redness, itching, or a rash at the application site, stop using it and talk to your doctor. Like Polysporin, this also contains Bacitracin.

3. Mupirocin (Bactroban)

Mupirocin is a prescription-only topical antibiotic that works differently from Bacitracin. It inhibits bacterial protein synthesis rather than cell wall synthesis.

• Available: Prescription only
• Price: $15 to $75 without insurance; often under $15 with coupons
• Best for: More serious skin infections, impetigo, and patients who need coverage against MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)
• Note: This is a true alternative that does not contain Bacitracin, making it suitable for people with Bacitracin allergies

4. Petroleum Jelly (Aquaphor, Vaseline)

This might surprise you, but studies have shown that plain petroleum jelly is just as effective as antibiotic ointments at preventing infection in clean minor wounds. Many dermatologists now recommend it as a first-line wound care option.

• Available: Over the counter everywhere
• Price: $3 to $10
• Best for: Clean minor wounds, post-procedure care, people who want to avoid antibiotics entirely
• Benefits: No risk of antibiotic allergy, no contribution to antibiotic resistance, widely available, and inexpensive

Alternatives to Bacitracin Ophthalmic Ointment

If you need an alternative for the prescription eye ointment — which is currently in shortage — your doctor has several options:

• Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment — A commonly prescribed alternative for bacterial eye infections. Available as a generic.
• Tobramycin ophthalmic drops or ointment — Effective against a broad range of eye infections.
• Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic drops — A fluoroquinolone antibiotic used for bacterial conjunctivitis.
• Polymyxin B/Trimethoprim ophthalmic drops (Polytrim) — Another common combination used for eye infections.

Only your eye doctor or prescriber can determine which alternative is right for your specific infection. Don't try to substitute one eye medication for another on your own.

How to Decide Which Alternative Is Right for You

Choosing the right alternative depends on a few factors:

• What are you treating? Minor wound vs. eye infection vs. more serious skin infection
• Do you have allergies? If you're allergic to Bacitracin, avoid Polysporin and Neosporin (they contain Bacitracin). Mupirocin or petroleum jelly would be better options.
• Do you need a prescription? Polysporin, Neosporin, and petroleum jelly are OTC. Mupirocin and ophthalmic alternatives require prescriptions.
• What's your budget? Petroleum jelly is the most affordable option at $3-$10. OTC antibiotic ointments run $5-$15. Prescription options can be more expensive without insurance.

When in doubt, talk to your pharmacist — they can help you choose the best OTC option, or contact your doctor if you need a prescription alternative.

Still Want to Find Bacitracin?

If you'd prefer to stick with Bacitracin, it may still be available at some pharmacies. Use Medfinder to check stock near you, or read our guide on how to find Bacitracin in stock. You can also learn about the current shortage situation in our Bacitracin shortage update for 2026.

Final Thoughts

Not being able to find Bacitracin is frustrating, but it doesn't mean you're out of options. For minor wound care, Polysporin, Neosporin, Mupirocin, and even plain petroleum jelly are all solid alternatives. For eye infections, your doctor can prescribe other ophthalmic antibiotics that work just as well.

The most important thing is not to skip treatment because one product is unavailable. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the best alternative for your situation, and use Medfinder to help you find what you need.