Topical Antimicrobials

Question 1

Bacitracin:

Effectiveness & Common uses

Answer 1

Gram neg and gram positive cocci and bacilli

superficial and partial-thickness wounds, facial burns, sulfa free alternative for burn patients who are allergic

Question 2

Gentamicin sulfate 0.1%: Effectiveness & Common uses

Answer 2

Gram-neg bacteria, streptococci and staphylococci

superficial and partial thickness wounds, don’t use prophylactically bc of side effects and discontinue when infection is resolved.

Question 3

Sulfamylon: Effectiveness & Common uses

Answer 3

broad-spectrum antimicrobial effective against gram-positive and gram neg bacteria ( pseudomonas aeriginosa); penetrates wound eschar

burn wounds; penetrates wound eschar (nose and ear); may leave open to air or cover

Question 4

Mupirocin (Bactroban): Effectiveness & Common uses

Answer 4

Gram neg and gram positive organisms (MRSA)

reserved for pt’s with MRSA to reduce resistant bacterial strain

Question 5

Neomycin sulfate: Effectiveness & Common uses

Answer 5

broad spectrum antimicrobial particularly effective against gram-neg and some gram positive bacteria

superficial and partial thickness wounds

Question 6

Polymyxin B sulfate: Effectiveness & Common uses

Answer 6

Gram neg organisms

superficial and partial-thickness wounds; burns

Question 7

Polysporin powder: Effectiveness & Common uses

Answer 7

broad-spectrum antimicrobial

mixed with collagenase for use on infected, necrotic wounds

Question 8

Silver sulfadiazine 1% cream (silvadene, SSD cream, Thermazene): Effectiveness & Common uses

Answer 8

broad spectrum antimicrobial especially against gram neg, gram positive (s.aureus) and candida

most widely used for topical agent for burns; wounds of all depths/sizes

Question 9

Triple antibiotic: Effectiveness & Common uses

Answer 9

Availability: ointment containing a blend of neomycin, bacitracin, and polymysin B sulfate

broader spectrum coverage than each drug indv; may enhance epithelialization

superficial and partial thickness wounds; facial burns (1st deg)

Question 10

Nystatin (mycostatin)

Answer 10

effective on Candida

Question 11

Oxiconazide nitrate (oxistat) and Miconazole (lotrimin)

Answer 11

effective on tinea