gramicidin

Gramicidin is a naturally occurring mixture of linear peptide antibiotics (primarily gramicidin A, B, and C, collectively known as gramicidin D) derived from the soil bacterium Brevibacillus brevis. It functions as an ionophore, forming channels within bacterial cell membranes. This action disrupts the cell's vital ion gradients, particularly by allowing the passive diffusion of monovalent cations like sodium and potassium, leading to membrane depolarization and ultimately bacterial cell death. Due to its significant toxicity upon systemic administration, gramicidin is exclusively used topically to treat superficial bacterial infections of the eye, ear, and skin, and is often formulated in combination with other antibiotics.

Brand names

SofracortSoframycinTriple AntibioticViaderm Kc

Other names

gramicidin Agramicidin Bgramicidin C