title: Anaphylaxis to topical bacitracin zinc ointment.
abstract: This report describes a case of systemic anaphylaxis to bacitracin zinc ointment in a 24-year-old man who was injured in a motorcycle accident. Extensive abrasions on the patient's extremities were cleaned with Shurclens before application of viscous Xylocaine and bacitracin zinc ointment. Five minutes later, the patient exhibited symptoms of severe anaphylaxis and required the administration of epinephrine, antihistamines, intravenous fluids, and corticosteroids. Two weeks later, he underwent prick/puncture skin testing to Shurclens and bacitracin zinc ointment as well as prick/puncture, intracutaneous, and subcutaneous challenge with Xylocaine. Only the result of the prick test to bacitracin zinc ointment was positive. Although bacitracin is considered to be a safe topical antibiotic, physicians should be aware of the potential not only for delayed hypersensitivity but also for acute IgE-mediated allergic reactions and life-threatening anaphylaxis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Allergy and Immunology, Lahey Hitchcock Medical Center, Burlington, MA 01805, USA.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Saryan
authors.forename: T C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Dammin
authors.forename: A E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Bouras
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000328:Adult; D000707:Anaphylaxis / Q000139:chemically induced*; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001414:Bacitracin / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004638:Emergency Treatment; D006801:Humans; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D012882:Skin Tests; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D001414:Bacitracin