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Antibiotics - Topical Reported shortage Over-the-counter (topical); prescription for ophthalmic ointment

Bacitracin (Bacitraycin Plus, Ft Antibiotic) — Compare Prices at US & Canada Pharmacies

Compare real Bacitracin prices at US and Canadian pharmacies, see official FDA uses and warnings, and find generic alternatives.

Generic name Bacitracin
Also sold as
Bacitraycin PlusFt Antibiotic
Drug class
Antibiotics - Topical
Common forms
Ointment
Legal status
OTC (skin); Rx (ophthalmic)
Generic available
Yes

What is the out-of-pocket cost of Bacitracin Micronized without health insurance?

Without insurance coverage, Bacitracin Micronized typically costs around $538.99 per 15 jars (1gm each) at retail price. Uninsured patients can often reduce this cost by using prescription discount cards or manufacturer coupons, which are widely accepted at major pharmacy chains. Because Bacitracin Micronized is a generic medication, its price is considerably lower than branded alternatives of the same drug.

What does Bacitracin Micronized cost if I have insurance?

Insurance coverage for Bacitracin Micronized depends entirely on your specific plan's formulary. Your out-of-pocket cost may involve a copay, coinsurance, or deductible, and coverage decisions vary by insurer. Contact your insurance provider directly to confirm whether Bacitracin Micronized is covered and what your patient responsibility will be. If your plan does not cover this medication or if your copay is high, prescription discount cards are available as an alternative way to lower your medication costs at participating pharmacies. Many of these programs can be used alongside Medicare or Medicaid; compare prices before purchasing to find the best available rate.

Bacitracin prices at US pharmacies

Bacitracin Micronized — jar, 1gm of , qty 15

PharmacyRetail priceWith discount card
Kroger Pharmacy Lowest $449.87 $446.87
Harris Teeter Pharmacy $449.87 $446.87
Walgreens $473.45 $470.45
Food Lion $471.97 —
Publix $477.43 $474.43
Walmart Neighborhood Market $483.13 $480.13
Walmart Pharmacy $483.13 $480.13
CVS Pharmacy $494.57 $491.57

Bacitraycin Plus (Bacitracin) — tube, 28gm of 500unit/gm, qty 28

PharmacyRetail priceWith discount card
Food Lion Lowest $9.68 —
Kroger Pharmacy $13.20 $10.20
Harris Teeter Pharmacy $13.20 $10.20
Costco $12.88 —
Publix $16.26 $13.26

Ft Antibiotic (Bacitracin Zinc) — tube, 28.4gm of 500unit/gm, qty 28.4

PharmacyRetail priceWith discount card
Kroger Pharmacy Lowest $14.10 $11.10
Harris Teeter Pharmacy $14.10 $11.10
Food Lion $12.54 —
Publix $18.01 $15.01
Costco $15.54 —

(Bacitracin Zinc) — tube of ointment, 28.4gm of 500unit/gm, qty 28.4

PharmacyRetail priceWith discount card
Kroger Pharmacy Lowest $14.10 $11.10
Harris Teeter Pharmacy $14.10 $11.10
Food Lion $12.54 —
Publix $18.01 $15.01
Costco $15.54 —

(Bacitracin) — tube of ointment, 14gm of 500unit/gm, qty 14

PharmacyRetail priceWith discount card
Food Lion Lowest $9.68 —
Kroger Pharmacy $13.20 $10.20
Harris Teeter Pharmacy $13.20 $10.20
Costco $12.88 —
Publix $16.26 $13.26

Bacitracin prices at Canadian pharmacies

No Canadian pharmacy pricing was found for Bacitracin in our latest data pull.

Canada prices are converted to USD at time of collection and shown per tablet where available. Ordering from Canadian pharmacies is legal for personal use in most cases but subject to FDA/CBSA rules — see US vs Canada, explained.

What is Bacitracin used for?

Bacitracin is a topical antibiotic used as first aid to help prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. Unlike most of the drugs on this site, the everyday skin ointment is sold over the counter — no prescription needed — and it's often combined with neomycin and polymyxin B in familiar "triple antibiotic" products at the drugstore.

It works by interfering with a step bacteria need to build their cell wall, similar in concept to penicillins. Because it's poorly absorbed through intact skin and can be toxic if it reaches the bloodstream, bacitracin is used almost exclusively as a topical or ophthalmic product rather than swallowed or injected. A prescription ophthalmic ointment version also exists for superficial eye infections — that's a separate, differently labeled product from the OTC skin ointment. An older injectable form was once used for serious staph infections, but it's rarely used that way today because of significant kidney toxicity risk; better-tolerated antibiotics have largely replaced it for systemic use.

For everyday first-aid use, bacitracin is meant for minor, superficial wounds only. It's not a substitute for medical care with deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns, and the OTC ointment shouldn't be used in the eyes or over large areas of the body.

How Bacitracin works

  1. Blocks cell wall recycling

    Bacitracin interferes with a step bacteria need to build and repair their cell wall.

  2. The wall can't be maintained

    Without properly functioning wall synthesis, susceptible bacteria can't grow or divide normally.

  3. Bacteria are killed

    The defective cell wall leads to bacterial cell death, helping prevent a minor wound from becoming infected.

Typical dosage forms & strengths

UseTypical adult doseForm
Minor cuts, scrapes, burns (first aid)Apply a thin layer 1 to 3 times dailyTopical ointment

General reference dosing from the FDA label — not personalized advice. Your prescribed dose may differ based on your infection, kidney function, age, and weight. Always follow your prescriber's instructions.

Related & alternative drugs

Commonly used for

Warnings & interactions

This is a summary of the official FDA label text, not personalized medical advice. It does not list every possible interaction or side effect. Always tell your prescriber and pharmacist about every medicine and supplement you take.

Common, usually mild

  • Mild skin irritation or itching at the application site
  • Redness

Serious — seek care promptly

  • Signs of an allergic reaction: rash, hives, swelling, trouble breathing
  • Wound that worsens or shows signs of spreading infection despite treatment

Warnings

Warnings For external use only Do not use • in the eyes • over large areas of the body • if you are allergic to any of the ingredients Ask a doctor before use if you have • deep or puncture wounds • animal bites • serious burns Stop use and ask a doctor if • you need to use longer than 1 week • condition persists or gets worse • rash or other allergic reaction develops Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. (1-800-222-1222)

Bacitracin, by the numbers

Additional public data points beyond retail pricing — useful context, not a price quote.

$1.7M
Medicare Part D spend, 2024
26.4K
Medicare Part D claims, 2024
10
FDA-listed manufacturers (Orange Book)
$1.25
Federal (VA) contract price per pack (30GM)

Frequently asked questions

How much does Bacitracin cost without insurance?
Retail (no-insurance) prices we found for Bacitracin range up to about $494.57 depending on pharmacy, form, and quantity. With a free pharmacy discount card, the lowest price we found was $10.20. Your actual price depends on the exact strength, quantity, and pharmacy — see the tables above.
Is there a generic version of Bacitracin?
Yes — our pricing data includes at least one generic listing for Bacitracin. Generics contain the same active ingredient and are typically the lowest-cost option; check the price tables above for the generic rows specifically.
Is Bacitracin currently in shortage?
As of our 2026-06-01 snapshot, Bacitracin Ophthalmic Ointment was listed as in shortage (openFDA live API (api.fda.gov/drug/shortages)). Availability can change quickly and vary by pharmacy — call ahead, and see our shortage tracker for the latest snapshot.
What drug class is Bacitracin in?
Bacitracin belongs to the antibiotics - topical class of antibiotics.

Sources

Page info

Prices last checked 2026-08-21. Reviewed against FDA and DailyMed official sources — see our review process. Not a substitute for professional medical advice.