Bacitracin

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Bacitracin
Systematic (IUPAC) name
?
Identifiers
CAS number	1405-87-4
ATC code	D06AX05 R02AB04
PubChem	439542
DrugBank	APRD00816
Chemical data
Formula	C66H103N17O16S
Mol. mass	1422.69 g/mol
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	?
Metabolism	?
Half life	?
Excretion	?
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat.	?
Legal status	OTC/℞-only
Routes	Topical, intramuscular

Bacitracin is a mixture of related cyclic polypeptides produced by organisms of the licheniformis group of Bacillus subtilis var Tracy. Its unique name derives from the fact that the bacillus producing it was first isolated in 1943 from a knee scrape from a girl named Margaret Tracy.^[1] As a toxic and difficult-to-use antibiotic, bacitracin doesn't work well orally. However, it is very effective topically.

Bacitracin is synthesised via the so-called nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs), which means that ribosomes are not involved in its synthesis.

[edit] Mechanism of action

Bacitracin interferes with the dephosphorylation of the C₅₅-isoprenyl pyrophosphate, a molecule which carries the building blocks of the peptidoglycan bacterial cell wall outside of the inner membrane [1].

[edit] Clinical use

As bacitracin zinc salt, and in combination with other topical antibiotics (usually polymyxin B and neomycin), it is used in ointment form for topical treatment of a variety of localized skin and eye infections, as well as for the prevention of wound infections. In the United States a popular brand name Neosporin contains Bacitracin as one of its antibiotic agents along with Neomycin and Polymyxin B. Bacitracin can also be bought in pure form for those with allergies.

In infants, it is sometimes administered intramuscularly for the treatment of pneumonias. This formulation is sold under the brand name Baciim®.

[edit] References