Tyrothricin

Tyrothricin is a cyclic polypeptide-antibiotic mixture from Bacillus brevis. It is a locally effective antibiotic effective against gram-positive bacteria. It is sometimes combined with benzocaine 5 mg to provide relief from sore throats. In systemic intake it can lead to severe side effects, therefore, the use is limited to topical application.

Tyrothricin belongs to the pharmacologically related group of polypeptide antibiotic compounds including colistin, polymyxin B and bacitracin. There is no cross-resistance to these three agents.

Effect

Tyrothricin inhibits protein biosynthesis of gram-positive organisms, but is completely ineffective against gram-negative.

Application

The most common use for tyrothricin is inflammation of the throat, gastric mucosa, and angina tonsillaris. In order to use tyrothricin, the mucous membrane must be intact. This is to ensure that tyrothricin will not come into contact with the bloodstream, therefore limiting the risk of systemic absorption.

Side-effects

Known hypersensitivity reactions are common, temporary loss of balance (see Vestibular system) and nephrotoxic effects, i.e. impairment of renal function. There are no long term studies about its effect on pregnancy and lactation.

Trade names

Separate preparations: Limexx (AT), Tyrosur (DE)

Compounds: Citropain (CH), Dorithricin (DE, AT), Lemocin (DE, AT, CH), Mebucaine (CH), Mebucasol (CH), Otothricinol (CH), Sangerol (CH), Solmucaine (CH), Trachisan (DE), Tyroqualin (CH) and generic (AT, CH), Tyrozets (UK)

References

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