mupirocin topical

Generic Name: mupirocin topical (myoo PEER oh sin)

Brand Names: Bactroban

What is mupirocin topical?

Mupirocin is an antibiotic. Mupirocin topical prevents bacteria from growing on your skin.

Mupirocin topical is used to treat infections of the skin such as impetigo.

Mupirocin topical may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about mupirocin topical?

Use this medication for the full amount of time prescribed by your doctor or as recommended in the package even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely healed. Avoid your eyes, nose, mouth, and lips when applying mupirocin topical. If medication gets in any of these areas, wash with water.

Watch for signs of improvement in 3 to 5 days. If your condition gets worse or does not improve, see your doctor.

Who should not use mupirocin topical?

Do not use mupirocin topical if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it.

You may not be able to use mupirocin topical if you have a very large open wound. This medication contains polyethylene glycol, which may cause damage to your kidneys if too much drug is absorbed through your skin.

Mupirocin topical is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not use mupirocin topical without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Mupirocin topical passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not use mupirocin topical without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use mupirocin topical?

Use mupirocin topical exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Wash your hands before and after using this medication.

Clean and dry the affected area. Apply a small amount of the ointment as directed.

Use this medication for the full amount of time prescribed by your doctor or as recommended in the package even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely healed.

You should notice improvement in 3 to 5 days. If the infection gets worse or does not improve, consult your doctor.

Do not use bandages that do not allow air circulation over the affected area unless otherwise directed by your doctor. A light, cotton-gauze dressing may be used to protect clothing.

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth or in large, open wounds. Store mupirocin topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and apply only the regular amount of mupirocin topical. Do not use a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of mupirocin topical is rare. Consult a doctor if you suspect an overdose. No symptoms of an overdose are known.

If mupirocin topical gets in your eyes or mouth, rinse with water.

If mupirocin topical is ingested, consult a poison control center.

What should I avoid while using mupirocin topical?

Avoid using other topical preparations on the same area at the same time unless directed to do so by your doctor.

Mupirocin topical side effects

Serious side effects are not expected to occur with mupirocin topical therapy. Stop using mupirocin topical and see your doctor if you experience unusual blistering, itching, redness, peeling, dryness, or irritation of the skin.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Mupirocin topical Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Skin and Structure Infection:

Cream:
A small amount applied to the affected area 3 times a day for 10 days.

Ointment:
A small amount applied to the affected area 3 times a day for 7 to 14 days.

Usual Adult Dose for Nasal Carriage of Staphylococcus aureus:

Divide 1/2 of the ointment from the single-use tube between the nostrils and apply twice daily for 5 days.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Skin and Structure Infection:

Cream:
3 months to 16 years:
A small amount applied to the affected area 3 times a day for 10 days.

Ointment:
2 months to 16 years:
A small amount applied to the affected area 3 times a day for 7 to 14 days.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Nasal Carriage of Staphylococcus aureus:

Greater than or equal to 12 years:
Divide 1/2 of the ointment from the single-use tube between the nostrils and apply twice daily for 5 days.

What other drugs will affect mupirocin topical?

Other topical medications may change the way that your skin absorbs mupirocin topical. Avoid using other products on the same area at the same time unless directed to do so by your doctor.

More mupirocin topical resources

• Mupirocin topical Side Effects (in more detail)
• Mupirocin topical Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Mupirocin topical Support Group
• 13 Reviews for Mupirocin - Add your own review/rating

• Bactroban Consumer Overview


• Bactroban Nasal Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Bactroban Cream MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Centany Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Centany Topical Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information

Compare mupirocin topical with other medications

• Nasal Carriage of Staphylococcus aureus
• Skin and Structure Infection

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has additional information about mupirocin topical written for health professionals that you may read.

See also: mupirocin side effects (in more detail)