EVALUATION OF BACITRACIN IN LOCAL TREATMENT OF PYOGENIC INFECTIONS

Abstract

The need for safe and effective agents suitable for local therapy in pyogenic infections of the skin is obvious to all physicians. The sulfonamide compounds and penicillin have both proved effective for this purpose; but, unfortunately, with them sensitization occurs in 5 and 10 per cent of the cases, respectively. This often precludes subsequent parenteral administration of these agents in more serious illnesses and so is a drawback to their use in the less severe infections. In March 1948, we reported that the antibiotic bacitracin, in an ointment base, had proved an effective agent in our experience.¹ With the ointment used, refrigeration was necessary to maintain effectiveness. The present report deals with our further study in the laboratory of the stability and release of bacitracin from various ointment bases kept at refrigerator and room temperatures and with clinical trial of the most promising bases kept at room temperatures during use by the patient. The discovery of bacitracin by