What Is Mupirocin: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and Interactions
Generic Name: Mupirocin Topical
Brand Name(s): Bactroban, Centany AT Kit or Centany
What is mupirocin?
Mupirocin topical is an antibiotic used to prevent the growth of bacteria on the skin. This topical antibiotic is often used for the treatment of impetigo and other skin infections caused by Staph bacteria.
Mupirocin ointment should be used according to the doctor's instructions to effectively heal the infection. Avoid getting mupirocin into your eyes, mouth, lips, and nose. If the medication gets into any of these facial areas, wash the area with water. An improvement is usually observed after 3-5 days of mupirocin treatment. However, see your healthcare provider if your condition does not improve or gets worse.
There is also a mupirocin nasal ointment with a different formulation for nasal use.
Before Usage
Let the doctor know if you are allergic to mupirocin or any of its ingredients. The doctor should also be informed if you have allergies to certain foods, medicine, and other substances. Mupirocin should only be externally used and should not be applied on burns or into the eyes, nose, or mouth.
It is very important to inform your doctor if you have kidney disease to make sure that this medicine is safe for you to use. You also need to inform your doctor if the symptoms remain the same and do not improve even after mupirocin application for several days. This topical ointment is only effective on bacterial infections and not on viral or fungal skin infections.
This medicine is not suitable for infants who are 3 months old and below. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning for pregnancy, or breastfeeding. It is still unknown whether mupirocin will harm an unborn child. If you apply mupirocin to your nipple or breast, make sure to thoroughly wash these areas before breastfeeding your baby.
Usage
Mupirocin should be exactly used according to the instructions of your healthcare provider. You can also read and follow the directions found on the prescription label.
Make sure to wash your hands before and after the application of this medicine. The affected area of the skin should also be clean and dry.
Avoid using this medication in smaller or larger amounts and for longer than prescribed. Mupirocin should only be applied to the skin. If the medicine gets into the mouth, nose, or eyes, rinse the area with plenty of water.
Mupirocin is often applied three times a day for 10 days. Apply a small amount of the medicine to the affected skin area. To allow air to circulate, avoid covering the treated areas using a plastic wrap, bandage, or other types of covering.
Do not skip doses to completely clear the infection. Call your healthcare provider if the symptoms get worse or do not improve within 3-5 days of treatment.
This medicine should be kept away from heat and moisture. Make sure that the tube is tightly closed when it is not in use. Do not freeze this medicine.
Dosage
Adult Dose
- Impetigo due to S. aureus and S. pyogenes - The ointment is applied to affected skin area three times a day.
- Secondary cutaneous bacterial infections due to S. aureus and S. pyogenes strains - A small amount of the medicine is applied to affected skin area three times a day for a period of 10 days.
- Nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus - Approximately half of the tube's content is applied to one nostril and the other half is applied to the other nostril every morning and evening (twice a day) for five days. This is used as part of an infection control program to help reduce nasal colonization of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) in both patients and healthcare workers during MRSA infection outbreaks.
Pediatric Dose
- Impetigo due to S. aureus and S. pyogenes - For infants 2 months old and above, the topical ointment is applied to affected skin area three times a day.
- Secondary cutaneous bacterial infections due to S. aureus and S. pyogenes strains - For infants 3 months old and above, a small amount of the medicine is applied to the affected skin area three times a day for a period of 10 days.
- Nasal Carriage of Staphylococcus aureus - For children 12 years old and above, approximately half of the tube's content is applied to one nostril and the other half is applied to the other nostril every morning and evening (twice a day) for five days. This is used as part of an infection control program to help reduce nasal colonization of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) in both patients and healthcare workers during MRSA infection outbreaks.
Side Effects
Many people who use this topical antibiotic do not experience serious side effects. Although rare, this medication may cause mild stinging or burning after use. If you experience severe irritation, stinging, or burning after mupirocin application, stop using the medication and immediately inform your doctor.
Another rare side effect of this medication is Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, which is a severe intestinal condition caused by a resistant type of bacteria. This condition tends to occur during treatment or after stopping treatment for weeks to months. Immediately inform your doctor if you develop any of the following symptoms:
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Persistent diarrhea
- Presence of blood or mucus in stool
If you experience any of these symptoms, do not take narcotic pain relievers or antidiarrheal products to prevent your condition from getting worse. New fungal skin infections may also develop if this medication is used for a long period of time or when it is repeatedly used.
Serious allergic reactions to mupirocin are rare. However, seek immediate medical help if you notice any signs and symptoms of a serious allergic reaction:
- Skin rash
- Itching
- Swelling of the face, throat, lips, and mouth
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe dizziness
If you notice other side effects that are not mentioned above, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Drug Interactions
Currently, there are no known drugs or supplements that interact with mupirocin. You may keep a list of all the products you have recently taken and show them to your doctor or pharmacist:
- Over-the-counter medications
- Prescription drugs
- Herbal products
- Dietary supplements
- Vitamins
Avoid starting, stopping, or changing the dosage of any type of medication without your healthcare provider's recommendation.
