Bacitracin

Bacitracin belongs to the polypeptide antibiotics and is used to prevent or treat wound infections, skin and eye infections. It is usually administered as an ointment for external use. Occasionally, the drug is also used intramuscularly in the treatment of pneumonia and empyema (collection of pus in an organ) in infants.

The bacitracin-producing bacterium was isolated in 1945 from a contaminated wound on the knee of a child named Margaret Tracy. The bacillus was named after her.

Pharmacodyamics

Bacitracin is composed of several polypeptides, the main form in commercial production being bacitracin A.
Die Wirkung des Antibiotikums basiert auf der Hemmung der bakteriellen Zellwandbildung. Dies wird verursacht durch die Verhinderung der Hydrolyse des Lipids Dolicholphosphat. Der Wirkstoff bindet an ein Metallion und spaltet die DNA oxidativ.
Da Bacitracin hauptsächlich grampositive Bakterien abtötet, ist es gegen gramnegative Erreger unwirksam.
Das Antibiotikum hat eine kurze Wirkungsdauer und muss daher alle 3 bis 4 Stunden neu angewendet werden.

Pharmacokinetics

Externally and orally, the antibiotic is poorly absorbed, but when injected intramuscularly, it is rapidly and completely absorbed. Excretion is renal. Six hours after intramuscular application, 87% of the dose is in the urine.

Side effects

When administered systemically, bacitracin has a strong renal toxic effect.
Es können unerwünschte Nebenwirkungen wie lokale oder allergische Reaktionen auftreten.

Toxicological data

The oral LD50 in rats is > 2000 mg/kg. Overdosage results in renal impairment.