THIS MEDICATION IS UNLIKELY TO CAUSE HARM TO YOUR BABY:
Small studies have found no association between topical bacitracin and birth defects. Topical bacitracin is not expected to pose a risk of harm to your baby, and it is considered compatible with breastfeeding. As with any medication used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, it is important to consider the potential benefits to the mother and risks to the baby before using the medication.
What is bacitracin?
Bacitracin is a topical antimicrobial medication currently available as a generic and brand name medication. Bacitracin is available as a topical ointment and is applied one to three times daily for a maximum of 7 days. Bacitracin is also available as an intramuscular injection and an eye ointment. It is found in combination topical antibiotic ointments such as Neosporin™. It is available over-the-counter and by prescription from your doctor.
What is bacitracin used to treat?
Bacitracin is used to prevent and treat infections of minor scrapes and cuts in infants, children, adolescents, and adults. Cuts and scrapes damage the outer, protective layer of skin to allow bacteria to enter and this can increase the risk of infection.
How does bacitracin work?
Bacitracin works by interfering with bacterial cell wall development and stability, leading to bacterial death.
If I am using bacitracin, can it harm my baby?
Small studies have found no association between topical bacitracin used by pregnant women and birth defects in the developing babies. Topical bacitracin is not expected to pose a risk of harm to your baby. The topical form of bacitracin is not absorbed into the body in any significant amount, however topical bacitracin should only be used during pregnancy if the benefits to the mother outweigh potential risks to the baby.
Evidence for the risks of bacitracin in human babies:
Pregnant women exposed to bacitracin in the first trimester as part of the Collaborative Perinatal Project found no evidence of adverse effects. A study from 1977 in 18 pregnant women exposed to topical bacitracin reported no adverse effects in the babies from exposure.
Bottom line: There is no evidence to suggest topical bacitracin increases the risk of birth defects in babies. It is recommended to only use this medication during pregnancy after weighing the risks versus benefits.
If I am using bacitracin and become pregnant, what should I do?
If you are using bacitracin and become pregnant, you should contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor will determine if your medication is medically necessary, or if it should be discontinued until after the birth of your baby.
If I am using bacitracin, can I safely breastfeed my baby?
Little information is known concerning the use of bacitracin while breastfeeding a baby. However, the available evidence suggests this medication does not pose a serious risk of harm to a breastfeeding baby. Topical application of bacitracin is not expected to be readily absorbed into the body or breast milk. The World Health Organization classifies topical bacitracin as compatible with breastfeeding.
Bottom line: Although there are no reports describing the use of topical bacitracin while breastfeeding a baby, the risk of infant harm from exposure to this medication while breastfeeding is expected to be minimal.
If I am using bacitracin, will it be more difficult to get pregnant?
Animal and laboratory studies suggest there are no adverse effects on male or female fertility associated with bacitracin use.
If I am using bacitracin, what should I know?
Small studies have found no association between topical bacitracin and birth defects. Topical bacitracin is not expected to pose a risk of harm to your baby. The World Health Organization considers topical bacitracin as compatible with breastfeeding. As with any medication used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, it is important to consider the potential benefits to the mother and risks to the baby before using the medication.
If I am using any medication, what should I know?
This report provides a summary of the available information about the use of bacitracin during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Content is from the product label unless otherwise indicated.
You may find Pregistry's expert reports about infections here, and reports about the individual medications used to treat infections here. Additional information can also be found in the resources below.
For more information about bacitracin during and after pregnancy, contact http://www.womenshealth.gov/ (800-994-9662 [TDD: 888-220-5446]) or check the following link:
U.S. National Library of Medicine: LACTMED: BACITRACIN
General information
It is very common for women to worry about having a miscarriage or giving birth to a child with a birth defect while they are pregnant. Many decisions that women make about their health during pregnancy are made with these concerns in mind.
For many women these concerns are very real. As many as 1 in 5 pregnancies end in a miscarriage, and 1 in 33 babies are born with a birth defect. These rates are considered the background population risk, which means they do not take into consideration anything about the health of the mom, the medications she is taking, or the family history of the mom or the baby’s dad. A number of different things can increase these risks, including taking certain medications during pregnancy.
It is known that most medications, including over-the-counter medications, taken during pregnancy do get passed on to the baby. Fortunately, most medicines are not harmful to the baby and can be safely taken during pregnancy. But there are some that are known to be harmful to a baby’s normal development and growth, especially when they are taken during certain times of the pregnancy. Because of this, it is important to talk with your doctor or midwife about any medications you are taking, ideally before you even try to get pregnant.
If a doctor other than the one caring for your pregnancy recommends that you start a new medicine while you are pregnant, it is important that you let them know you are pregnant.
If you do need to take a new medication while pregnant, it is important to discuss the possible risks the medicine may pose on your pregnancy with your doctor or midwife. They can help you understand the benefits and the risks of taking the medicine.
Ultimately, the decision to start, stop, or change medications during pregnancy is up to you to make, along with input from your doctor or midwife. If you do take medications during pregnancy, be sure to keep track of all the medications you are taking.