Last update April 16, 2025

Tyrothricin

Compatible

Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.

Polypeptide with antibiotic properties isolated from the fermentation of Bacillus brevis. Contains a mixture of gramicidin and thyrocidine. Used topically in skin and mouth infections, often in association with benzocaine.

At the date of the last update, we found no published data on its excretion in breast milk.

As it is not water soluble, it is not absorbed through the skin. It is not used systemically as it is very toxic (renal and hepatic). May cause contact dermatitis. (Goldman 1948)

Given its systemic absorption by oral route which is practically nil and its high molecular weight, it is highly unlikely to pass into breast milk. Do not apply to the breast to prevent ingestion by the infant.

It has been withdrawn from the market in some countries due to its lack of therapeutic efficacy. (WHO 2005)


See below the information of this related product:

  • Gramicidin (Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.)

Alternatives

  • Gramicidin (Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.)
  • Mupirocin (Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.)

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

Your contribution is essential for this service to continue to exist. We need the generosity of people like you who believe in the benefits of breastfeeding.

Thank you for helping to protect and promote breastfeeding.

José María Paricio, founder of e-lactancia.

Other names

Tyrothricin in other languages or writings:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Tyrothricin in its composition:

Pharmacokinetics

Variable Value Unit
Oral Bioavail. Oral: Baja - Poor; Dermal: 0 %
Molecular weight 1.228 daltons

References

  1. - WHO Pharmaceuticals Newsletter. - 2005 Full text (in our servers)
  2. GOLDMAN L, FELDMAN MD, ALTEMEIER WA. Contact dermatitis from topical tyrothricin and associated with polyvalent hypersensitivity to various antibiotics; report of a case. J Invest Dermatol. 1948 Oct;11(4):243. No abstract available. Abstract Full text (link to original source)

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