What is Bacitracin used for?

Bacitracin is indicated for: Superficial skin infections.

Which species have cited Bacitracin dosing data?

Bacitracin dosing in the ExoticRx formulary covers 2 species: Cat (Domestic), Dog (Domestic).

Is Bacitracin a controlled substance?

Bacitracin is not federally scheduled in the US. Controlled-drug status differs by country — verify your local rules.

What are the side effects of Bacitracin?

Reported side effects, adverse reactions, and contraindications for Bacitracin: Nephrotoxic when given systemically. Systemic use limited to severe infections. Monitor renal function closely.

Bacitracin

US brand names:Baciguent

Calculate dosage

Sourced from published veterinary references. Awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer — our editorial process.

Drug Class

Antibiotic

Routes

TopicalIM

Indications

Superficial skin infections

Mechanism of Action

Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by interfering with dephosphorylation of C55-isoprenyl pyrophosphate.

Side effects & warnings

Nephrotoxic when given systemically. Systemic use limited to severe infections. Monitor renal function closely.

Species with Bacitracin dosing data (2 dose rules)

Cat (Domestic)Dog (Domestic)

Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugs All Dog (Domestic) drugs

Evidence levels across 2 dose rules

Moderate×2

Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.

Backed by 2 published sources

· Hume-Smith KM, Groth AD, Rishniw M, Walter-Grimm LA, Plunkett SJ, Maggs DJ. Anaphylactic events observed within 4 h of ocular application of an antibiotic-containing ophthalmic preparation: 61 cats (1993-2010). J Feline Med Surg. 2011;13(10):744-751. doi:10.1016/j.jfms.2011.06.007 doi:10.1016/j.jfms.2011.06.007 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1454 (2026-08-01).
· Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1454 (2026-08-01).

Sample dosing (2 of 2 cited rules)

A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 2 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.

Species	Route	Dose	Frequency	Evidence	Source
Dog (Domestic)	Topical	Apply thin layer to affected area	q8-12h	Moderate	Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1454 (2026-08-01).
Cat (Domestic)	Topical	Apply thin layer to affected area	q8-12h	Moderate	Hume-Smith KM, Groth AD, Rishniw M, Walter-Grimm LA, Plunkett SJ, Maggs DJ. Anaphylactic events observed within 4 h of ocular application of an antibiotic-containing ophthalmic preparation: 61 cats (1993-2010). J Feline Med Surg. 2011;13(10):744-751. doi:10.1016/j.jfms.2011.06.007 doi:10.1016/j.jfms.2011.06.007 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1454 (2026-08-01).

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Calculate Dosage for Bacitracin