Bacitracin|Fortracin|Structure|Synthesis|MOA|Uses|Side-effects

  

 Bacitracin

It is a polypeptide antibiotic, which is a mixture of homodetic cyclic peptides. The homodetic cyclic peptides are produced by Bacillus licheniforms. FDA approved this drug on 29th July 1948. Bacitracin is used only for external use because if it uses internally it can cause kidney damage. it is an off-white solid which is highly soluble in water. The molecular weight of bacitracin is 1422.7gm/mol. It is also known as, Fortracin, Baciguent, Altracin, etc.

Structure:

The molecular formula of bacitracin is,[C­­­­­66H103N17O16S].

Bacitracin

The IUPAC name of bacitracin is,(4R)-4-[[(2S)-2-[(1S,2S)-1-amino-2-methylbutyl]-4,5-dihydro-1,3-thiazide-4-carboxyl]amino]-4-methylpentanoyl]amino]-5-[[(2S,3S)-1-[[(3S,6R,9S,12R,15S,18R,21S)-3-(2-amino-2-oxoethyl)-18-(3-aminopropyl)-12-benzyl-15-[(2S)-butan-2-yl]-6-(carboxymethyl)-9-(1H-imidazol-5-ylmethyl)-2,5,8,11,14,17,20-heptaoxo-1,4,7,10,13,16,19-heptaza cyclopentacos-21-yl]amino]-3-methyl-1-oxo pental-2-yl]amino]-5-oxopentanoic acid.

Mechanism of action:

Bacitracin inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis. It is active against gram-positive bacteria. It stops the bacterial replication process by preventing the dephosphorylation of the P-P-phospholipid carrier. This dephosphorylation is essential for bacterial cell wall synthesis. Due to bacitracin cell wall is not formed, so bacteria cannot replicate.

Uses:

It is used to prevent several bacterial infections. it is also used to treat minor scratches, cuts, and burns.

Side-effects:

The overdose of bacitracin shows different types of side effects like,

1. Skin rash.
2. Hives.
3. Swelling of your face and tongue.
4. Itching.
5. Application site redness.
6. Kidney damage.