Bacitracin Is a Topical Polypeptide Antibiotic Used to Prevent and Treat Minor Bacterial Infections of the Skin and Eyes

If you've ever put ointment on a cut or scrape, there's a good chance it contained Bacitracin. It's one of the most commonly used over-the-counter antibiotics in the United States, found in medicine cabinets and first-aid kits everywhere. But Bacitracin also comes in a prescription form used to treat bacterial eye infections.

Here's everything you need to know about this medication in 2026 — what it does, how to use it, and what it costs.

What Is Bacitracin?

Bacitracin is a polypeptide antibiotic that kills bacteria by disrupting their cell wall synthesis. It was first discovered in 1945 and has been a staple of wound care ever since.

Key facts:

• Generic name: Bacitracin (also Bacitracin Zinc in some formulations)
• Brand names: Baciguent, BACiiM, Baci-Rx, AK-Tracin, Ocu-Tracin
• Drug class: Polypeptide antibiotic
• Manufacturer: Padagis US (ophthalmic), various manufacturers (topical OTC)
• Controlled substance: No — Bacitracin is not a controlled substance
• Available as generic: Yes

Bacitracin is also a key ingredient in popular combination products you may recognize:

• Neosporin — Bacitracin + Neomycin + Polymyxin B (triple antibiotic)
• Polysporin — Bacitracin + Polymyxin B (double antibiotic)

What Is Bacitracin Used For?

Bacitracin has several FDA-approved uses:

Over-the-Counter (Topical Ointment)

• Prevention and treatment of minor skin infections from cuts, scrapes, and burns
• Post-surgical wound care (minor procedures)
• Prevention of infection after minor dermatologic procedures

Prescription (Ophthalmic Ointment)

• Bacterial eye infections including conjunctivitis (pink eye) and blepharitis (eyelid infection)
• Neonatal eye infection prophylaxis

Note: Bacitracin injection was previously used to treat staphylococcal pneumonia in infants, but the FDA requested its voluntary withdrawal from the market in 2020 due to risks of nephrotoxicity and anaphylaxis.

How Is Bacitracin Taken?

Topical Ointment (OTC)

Bacitracin topical ointment contains 500 units per gram and comes in tubes and single-use packets.

1. Clean the affected area with mild soap and water
2. Apply a thin layer of ointment to the wound
3. Cover with a sterile bandage if desired
4. Repeat 1–3 times daily
5. Typically used for up to 7 days

Ophthalmic Ointment (Rx)

Bacitracin ophthalmic ointment (500 units/g) comes in a 3.5g tube.

1. Wash your hands thoroughly
2. Pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket
3. Squeeze a 1/2 inch ribbon of ointment into the pocket
4. Close your eye gently and roll your eyeball to spread the ointment
5. Repeat every 3–4 hours for 7–10 days
6. Avoid touching the tube tip to your eye or any surface

Important: The ophthalmic ointment may cause temporary blurred vision. Many doctors recommend applying it at bedtime.

Who Should Not Take Bacitracin?

Do not use Bacitracin if you have:

• Known hypersensitivity or allergy to Bacitracin or any ingredient in the formulation
• History of anaphylactic reaction to Bacitracin — this is a life-threatening allergy and you should never use Bacitracin again

Additionally, Bacitracin should not be used on:

• Deep wounds or puncture wounds
• Animal bites
• Serious burns

These types of injuries require professional medical treatment.

Special Populations

• Pregnancy: Category C — Use only if clearly needed and recommended by your doctor. Topical application has minimal systemic absorption.
• Children and infants: Topical Bacitracin is considered safe. The ophthalmic form is used in newborns.
• Elderly: May have increased skin sensitivity. Watch for allergic contact dermatitis with prolonged use.

For a complete list of potential reactions, see our Bacitracin side effects guide.

How Much Does Bacitracin Cost?

Bacitracin is one of the most affordable antibiotics available:

OTC Topical Ointment

• Cash price: $2.52–$13.44 depending on size and retailer
• Insurance: Generally not covered (it's OTC)
• Available at virtually every pharmacy, grocery store, and online retailer

Prescription Ophthalmic Ointment

• Cash price: $10.20–$46.39
• With coupons: As low as $10.20 (check our savings guide)
• Insurance: Usually covered as a Tier 1 generic with a low copay ($0–$15 at most plans)
• Medicare Part D: May cover the ophthalmic form
• No prior authorization is typically required

There are no manufacturer savings programs for Bacitracin since it's an inexpensive generic. For help with costs, general programs like NeedyMeds and RxAssist may be able to help.

Current Availability

The OTC topical ointment is generally in stock everywhere. However, the prescription ophthalmic ointment is currently in shortage — Padagis US has temporarily discontinued manufacturing with an estimated resupply date of October 2026. Use Medfinder to check pharmacy stock near you.

Final Thoughts

Bacitracin is a safe, affordable, and effective antibiotic that's been a wound care staple for over 80 years. For minor cuts and scrapes, the OTC ointment is as simple as it gets — no prescription needed, widely available, and costs just a few dollars.

For bacterial eye infections, the prescription ophthalmic form works well but is harder to find right now due to the ongoing shortage. If you can't find it, talk to your doctor about alternatives — and use Medfinder to track down available stock.

Find Bacitracin in stock near you →