Bacitracin, Intramuscular

Type of medicine: anti-infective

Generic and brand names: bacitracin, injection; Baci-IM

This medicine is given to infants by injection into a muscle. It is used to treat certain types of infections. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

This medicine must be given by injection by your child's health care provider. The injections are usually given at a hospital where your child is closely observed. Daily lab tests will be done to determine the effects of this medicine on your child.

Be sure your child gets enough fluids while receiving this medicine. Fluids may be given to your child by IV infusion (through a tube and needle into a vein).

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your infant's body adjusts to the medicine. Health care providers will watch closely for any side effects.

Serious: Decrease in urine output, fever, sweating, unexplained bleeding or bruising.

Other: Nausea, vomiting, skin rash, pain at injection site, muscle weakness.

When your child receives this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Some medicines that may interact with this medicine are:

• other antibiotics such as amikacin (Amikin), gentamicin (Garamycin), kanamycin (Kantrex), neomycin (Mycifradin), tobramycin (Nebcin), and vancomycin (Vancocin)
• anesthetics and muscle relaxants used during surgery.

Keep a list of all your child's medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products your child is taking.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Do not share medicines with other people.