Bacitracin
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Bacitracin
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Systematic (IUPAC) name | |
? | |
Identifiers | |
CAS number | 1405-87-4 |
ATC code | D06AX05 R02AB04 |
PubChem | 439542 |
DrugBank | APRD00816 |
Chemical data | |
Formula | C66H103N17O16S |
Mol. weight | 1422.69 g/mol |
Pharmacokinetic data | |
Bioavailability | ? |
Metabolism | ? |
Half life | ? |
Excretion | ? |
Therapeutic considerations | |
Pregnancy cat. |
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Legal status |
Over the Counter |
Routes | ? |
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 from a knee scrape from a little girl named "Tracy". 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 the nonribosomal peptidesynthesis.
[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 BaciimĀ®.