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Bacitracin zinc overdose - Overview

Alternative Names

Cortisporin ointment overdose; Baciferm overdose

Definition of Bacitracin zinc overdose:

Bacitracin zinc is a medicine applied to cuts and other skin wounds to help prevent infection. Bacitracin is a germ-killing medicine called an antibiotic. Small amounts of bacitracin zinc are dissolved in petroleum jelly to create antibiotic ointments.

Bacitracin zinc overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally swallows products containing this ingredient or uses more than the normal or recommended amount of the product.

See also:

Poisonous Ingredient:

  • Bacitracin
  • Zinc

Where Found:

These ingredients are found in many different products, including certain:

  • Over-the-counter antibiotic ointments and sprays such as Polysporin Spray and Neosporin
  • Prescription antibiotic eye drops and ointments such as Neosporin Ophthalmic

Bacitracin zinc may also be added to animal food.

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

  • Reviewed last on: 4/4/2008
  • Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.