Mupirocin

Mupirocin is used to treat certain skin infections (such as impetigo). It is an antibiotic. It works by stopping the growth of certain bacteria.

Mupirocin is available under the following different brand names: Bactroban, Bactroban Nasal, and Centany.

Adult and Pediatric Dosage Forms and Strengths

Cream/topical ointment

• 2%

Nasal ointment

• 2%

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

Impetigo

• Adult: Apply 2% ointment to affected area every 8 hours
• Children over 2 months: Apply 2% ointment to affected area every 8 hours
• If no response in 3-5 days, reevaluate

Secondary Skin Infection

• Adult: Apply cream to affected area every 8 hours for 10 days
• Children over 3 months: Apply cream to affected area every 8 hours for 10 days
• If no response in 3-5 days, reevaluate

Elimination of MRSA Colonization

• Intranasal: Apply one-half of ointment from a single-use tube into each nostril every 12 hours for 5 days
• Pediatric: Safety and efficacy not established
• Children over 12 years (intranasal): Apply one-half of ointment from a single-use tube into each nostril every 12 hours for 5 days

Side effects associated with use of Mupirocin, include the following:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Burning
• Stinging
• Pain
• Itching
• Rash
• Cellulitis
• Dry skin
• Redness
• Increased fluid
• Pain or bleeding secondary to eczema
• Secondary wound infection
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Hives

Other side effects of mupirocin include:

• Abdominal pain
• Dizziness
• Swelling and sores inside the mouth

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider or pharmacist first.

Mupirocin has no known interactions with other drugs.

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions, concerns or for more information about this medicine.

Warnings

• This medication contains mupirocin
• Do not take Bactroban, Bactroban Nasal, or Centany if you are allergic to mupirocin or any ingredients contained in this drug
• Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity

Effects of Drug Abuse

No information provided

Short-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Mupirocin?"

Long-Term Effects

• Prolonged use may result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms, including fungi
• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Mupirocin?”

Cautions

• Anaphylaxis, urticaria, angioedema, and generalized rash reported
• Manufacturer cautions against use of mupirocin ointment in burn patients, particularly those with extensive burns, since potentially toxic amounts of polyethylene glycol (PEG) contained in the vehicle may be absorbed percutaneously
• Avoid contact with eyes; in case of accidental contact, rinse well with water
• Discontinue use in event of sensitization or severe local irritation from ointment
• Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) reported with use; if CDAD suspected or confirmed, discontinue ongoing antibacterial drug use not directed against C. difficile; institute appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibacterial treatment of C. difficile, and surgical evaluation, as clinically indicated
• Prolonged use may result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms, including fungi
• Not formulated for use on mucosal surfaces; intranasal use has been associated with isolated reports of stinging and drying
• Not for use in conditions where absorption of large quantities of polyethylene glycol possible, especially if there is evidence of moderate or severe renal impairment; polyethylene glycol can be absorbed from open wounds and damaged skin and is excreted by the kidneys
• Ointment should not be used with intravenous cannulae or at central intravenous sites because of the potential to promote fungal infections and antimicrobial resistance

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Mupirocin may be acceptable for use during pregnancy
• Either animal studies show no risk but human studies are not available, or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies were done and showed no risk
• It is not known if mupirocin is distributed into milk; it is recommended that nursing be temporarily discontinued during therapy