Health Encyclopedia
Bacitracin overdose
Definition
This is poisoning from a large amount (overdose) of Bacitracin, a medicine (antibiotic) used to treat infections.
Alternative Names
Polysporin ointment overdose; Baciquent ointment overdosePoisonous Ingredient
- Bacitracin
Where Found
- Certain antibiotic ointments such as Bactine Triple Antibiotic and Neosporin
- Some prescription eye ointments such as AK-Tracin
The medicine also comes in form that can be given as a shot into a muscle or by an IV. (A real overdose usually only occurs this way.)
Note: This list may not be all inclusive.
Symptoms
Symptoms are more likely the result of an allergic reaction than a true overdose. They may include:
- Breathing - temporarily stops
- Chest tightness
- Diarrhea
- Heart stops
- Itching
- Low blood pressure
- Nausea
- Rash
- Sweating
- Swelling of the lips and face
- Unconsciousness
- Vomiting
Home Care
If the chemical was swallowed, immediately give the person water. DO NOT give milk if the patient is vomiting or has a decreased level of alertness.
If the chemical is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes.
Call poison control or a doctor for assistance.
Before Calling Emergency
Determine the following information:
- Patient's age, weight, and condition
- Name of product (as well as the ingredients and strength, if known)
- Time it was swallowed
- Amount swallowed
- If the medicine was prescribed for the patient
Poison Control
The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.
This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the U.S. use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.
See National Poison Control center.
What to Expect at the Emergency Room
The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. The patient may receive:
- Medicines to treat symptoms
- Activated charcoal
- A nasogastric (NG) tube thru the nose into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)
- Skin washing (irrigation) - if the product touched the skin
Outlook (Prognosis)
If the allergic reaction can be controlled, recovery is very likely.
Reviewed By: Janeen R. Azare, PhD, MSPH, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
