Is Bacitracin-Zinc compatible with breastfeeding? Do we have alternatives for Bacitracin-Zinc?

Bacitracin-Zinc

July 1, 2015 (Very Low Risk)

Polypeptide with anti-microbial activity that is produced by strains of Bacillus licheniformis or Bacillus subtilis. Indicated for topical use (high nephrotoxicity with systemic use)

Not absorbed through skin, mucosa or intestinal tract. When orally taken it is destroyed by the gut with no pass into the blood stream.

Preferably, avoid it on the breast or clear it out before nursing. Avoid use of creams, gels and other topical medication containing paraffin (petroleum-derived mineral oil) in order to avoid the risk of absorption by the child.

The WHO Model List of Essential Medicines 2002 rates it as compatible with breastfeeding.

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Bacitracin-Zinc since it is relatively safe.

Very Low Risk

Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.

Low Risk

Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.

High Risk

Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.

Very High Risk

Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.

Writings

  • باسيتراسين (Arabic)
  • Бацитрацин (Cyrillic)
  • 杆菌肽 (Chinese)
  • バシトラシン (Japanese)

Drug trade names

References

  1. Concin N, Hofstetter G, Plattner B, Tomovski C, Fiselier K, Gerritzen K, Fessler S, Windbichler G, Zeimet A, Ulmer H, Siegl H, Rieger K, Concin H, Grob K. Mineral oil paraffins in human body fat and milk. Food Chem Toxicol. 2008Abstract
  2. Leachman SA, Reed BR. The use of dermatologic drugs in pregnancy and lactation. Dermatol Clin. 2006Abstract
  3. WHO Pharmaceuticals Newsletter. 2005 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  4. Noti A, Grob K, Biedermann M, Deiss U, Brüschweiler BJ. Exposure of babies to C15-C45 mineral paraffins from human milk and breast salves. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2003Abstract
  5. WHO / UNICEF. BREASTFEEDING AND MATERNAL MEDICATION Recommendations for Drugs in the Eleventh WHO Model List of Essential Drugs. Department of Child and Adolescent Health and Development (WHO/UNICEF) 2002 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  6. LONGACRE AB, WATERS RM. Observation on absorption of bacitracin; blood levels following all administration. Surg Gynecol Obstet. 1951Abstract
  7. ZINTEL HA, MA RA, et al. The absorption, distribution, excretion and toxicity of bacitracin in man. Am J Med Sci. 1949Abstract