Bacitracin Polymyxin B — Compare Prices at US & Canada Pharmacies
Compare real Bacitracin Polymyxin B prices at US and Canadian pharmacies, see official FDA uses and warnings, and find generic alternatives.
What is the typical out-of-pocket cost for Bacitracin-Polymyxin B?
Without insurance, Bacitracin-Polymyxin B typically costs around $68.69 per 3.5 gm tube (500-10,000 unit/gm) at retail pharmacy prices. Generic versions like Bacitracin-Polymyxin B are usually significantly less expensive than the brand-name alternative, Polycin, which generally carries a higher price tag for the same active ingredients. Discount programs and coupons may also help reduce out-of-pocket costs at participating pharmacies.
How does insurance coverage affect the price of Bacitracin-Polymyxin B?
Insurance coverage for Bacitracin-Polymyxin B depends entirely on your individual plan, as coverage policies and cost-sharing amounts vary widely. To learn whether your specific insurance covers this medication and what your copay or coinsurance would be, contact your insurance provider directly with your plan details. If your insurance plan does not cover Bacitracin-Polymyxin B or if your out-of-pocket cost is high, you may want to explore other options such as prescription discount cards or compare prices across different pharmacies. Those with Medicare or Medicaid should verify coverage with their plan administrator.
What is the brand-name version of Bacitracin-Polymyxin B?
Polycin is the brand-name formulation of Bacitracin-Polymyxin B. Both contain the same active ingredients and provide equivalent therapeutic effects, but Polycin typically costs considerably more than the generic Bacitracin-Polymyxin B version. Choosing the generic option can result in substantial savings while maintaining the same medication efficacy.
Bacitracin Polymyxin B prices at US pharmacies
(Bacitracin-Polymyxin B) — tube, 3.5gm of 500-10000unit/gm, qty 3.5
| Pharmacy | Retail price | With discount card |
|---|---|---|
| Kroger Pharmacy Lowest | $28.35 | $25.35 |
| Harris Teeter Pharmacy | $28.35 | $25.35 |
| Walmart Neighborhood Market | $30.58 | $27.58 |
| Walmart Pharmacy | $30.58 | $27.58 |
| Walgreens | $31.25 | $28.25 |
| Publix | $32.64 | $29.64 |
| Food Lion | $32.35 | — |
| Costco | $33.71 | — |
Bacitracin-Polymyxin B — tube, 3.5gm of 500-10000unit/gm, qty 3.5
| Pharmacy | Retail price | With discount card |
|---|---|---|
| Kroger Pharmacy Lowest | $28.35 | $25.35 |
| Harris Teeter Pharmacy | $28.35 | $25.35 |
| Walmart Neighborhood Market | $30.58 | $27.58 |
| Walmart Pharmacy | $30.58 | $27.58 |
| Walgreens | $31.25 | $28.25 |
| Publix | $32.64 | $29.64 |
| Food Lion | $32.35 | — |
| Costco | $33.71 | — |
Bacitracin Polymyxin B prices at Canadian pharmacies
No Canadian pharmacy pricing was found for Bacitracin Polymyxin B 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 Polymyxin B used for?
Bacitracin-polymyxin B ophthalmic ointment combines two topical antibiotics with different mechanisms to treat superficial eye infections — bacterial conjunctivitis and corneal infections caused by susceptible organisms. It's a prescription product, distinct from the over-the-counter bacitracin skin ointment sold for minor cuts and scrapes; this formulation is manufactured and labeled specifically for ophthalmic use and shouldn't be swapped for a first-aid antibiotic ointment.
Bacitracin disrupts bacterial cell wall synthesis, while polymyxin B damages the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria — pairing the two broadens coverage against the range of bacteria that commonly cause external eye infections. Because it's applied directly to the eye, systemic absorption is minimal, though the FDA label notes that ophthalmic ointments in general can slow corneal healing, which is one reason a clinician needs to confirm the diagnosis before it's prescribed — a corneal abrasion or a viral infection, for example, wouldn't respond to it and need different treatment.
As with any prescription eye medication, using it exactly as directed, and not longer than prescribed, matters for both effectiveness and safety.
How Bacitracin Polymyxin B works
Bacitracin weakens the cell wall
It blocks a step gram-positive bacteria need to build and repair their protective cell wall.
Polymyxin B disrupts the outer membrane
It binds to and damages the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria, causing leakage of cell contents.
Susceptible bacteria die
Together, the two antibiotics cover a broader range of the bacteria typically responsible for surface eye infections.
Typical dosage forms & strengths
| Use | Typical adult dose | Form |
|---|---|---|
| Superficial bacterial eye infections | Apply a small amount (about 1/2 inch) to the affected eye 1 to 3 times daily, or as directed | Ophthalmic 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
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
- Temporary blurred vision after application
- Mild eye irritation or stinging
Serious — seek care promptly
- Signs of an allergic reaction: eyelid swelling, rash, difficulty breathing
- Worsening eye pain, redness, or vision changes (may mean the infection isn't responding)
Contraindications
CONTRAINDICATIONS This product is contraindicated in those individuals who have shown hypersensitivity to any of its components.
Warnings
WARNINGS Ophthalmic ointments may retard corneal healing.
Bacitracin Polymyxin B, by the numbers
Additional public data points beyond retail pricing — useful context, not a price quote.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Bacitracin Polymyxin B cost without insurance?
Is there a generic version of Bacitracin Polymyxin B?
Is Bacitracin Polymyxin B currently in shortage?
What drug class is Bacitracin Polymyxin B in?
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.
Christopher J. Graber, M.D., MPH, FIDSA, Infectious Disease