Bacitracin overdose
Alternate Names : Polysporin ointment overdose, Baciquent ointment overdose
Definition
Bacitracin is a germ-killing medicine called an antibiotic, which is used to treat infections. Small amounts of Bacitracin are dissolved in petroleum jelly to create antibiotic ointments. Bacitracin overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally swallows products containing this ingredient or uses more than the normal or recommended amount of the product. This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. See also:
Poisonous Ingredient
Where Found
Bacitracin may be found in certain over-the-counter antibiotic ointments such as Bactine Triple Antibiotic and Neosporin. It may also be found in some prescription eye ointments such as AK-Tracin. The medicine also comes in a form that can be given as a shot into a muscle or through a vein. (A real overdose usually only occurs this way.)
Symptoms & Signs
Bacitracin is very safe. However getting bacitracin in your eyes may cause redness and some pain and itching. Intentionally eating bacitracin in large amounts may cause you to have some pain in your stomach and possibly throw up. Rarely Bacitracin may cause cause an allergic reaction. You are most likely to have some redness and itching of your skins. However, like any substance a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) can occur.
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