Mupirocin is a prescription topical drug used for bacterial skin infections. Mupirocin is a unique antimicrobial drug called an RNA synthetase inhibitor. At low doses, it prevents bacteria from growing. At higher doses, it kills bacteria. As with all antibacterial medications, treatment is only limited to a few days (10 days), but mupirocin ointment or cream has to be applied to the affected skin three times daily.
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Mupirocin overview
BRAND NAMES:
Pirnuo
Generic Names:
Mupirocin
Uses:
Treats infected skin lesions and impetigo.
Therapeutic Classes:
Antibacterial, RNS synthetase inhibitor
Forms:
Cream, ointment
How it’s taken:
On the skin
What is Mupirocin used for?
Mupirocin cream treats infected wounds, cuts, or lesions on the skin up to a certain size. Healthcare providers prescribe mupirocin ointment to treat impetigo, a common skin infection known as “school sores,” mainly afflict infants and children.
What form(s) does Mupirocin come in?
Cream
2% (20 mg per one gram of cream)
Ointment
2%
What are common Mupirocin dosages?
For infected skin lesions no longer than 10 cm in length or 100 square centimeters in area: Apply a small amount of mupirocin cream with a cotton swab or gauze pad to the affected area three times daily for 10 days
For impetigo: Apply a small amount of mupirocin ointment with a cotton swab or gauze pad to the affected area three times daily for 10 days
Mupirocin images - What does Mupirocin look like?
Mupirocin
15gm of 2% tubeMupirocin
1gm of 2% tubeMupirocin
22gm of 2% tubeMupirocin
15gm of 2% tube of ointmentMupirocin
1gm of 2% tube of ointmentMupirocin
22gm of 2% tube of ointment
How to take Mupirocin
Use your medicine as instructed.
Please read the Patient Information that comes with this medicine.
Apply mupirocin doses for the full treatment length prescribed to eradicate the infection.
Use the medicine only on your skin. Do not allow it to get in the eyes, mouth, nose, or vagina.
Apply the cream or ointment using a cotton swab or gauze pad. Avoid touching the medicine with your hands.
Apply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area.
If needed, cover the treated area with a gauze dressing.
Store mupirocin cream or ointment in a closed container at room temperature. Do not freeze.
What to do if you miss a dose of Mupirocin
Apply a missed dose as soon as you can.
If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose.
Do not apply extra cream or ointment to compensate for a missed dose.
Mupirocin contraindications - Who shouldn't take Mupirocin?
This medicine is not right for everyone.
Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to mupirocin.
Mupirocin warnings
Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine.
Your doctor will schedule regular appointments to check the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have kidney problems.
Do not use mupirocin for any other condition other than that for which it was prescribed.
Mupirocin can cause severe diarrhea weeks or months after treatment stops. Get medical help if you experience severe, watery, or bloody diarrhea during or after treatment. Do not try to treat the diarrhea yourself.
Do not get mupirocin in your eyes. If any mupirocin gets in your eye, immediately rinse it.
If you are breastfeeding and use mupirocin on your breast or nipple, wash the area thoroughly before allowing an infant to feed.
Call the prescriber if symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Mupirocin interactions & what to avoid when taking Mupirocin
To avoid possible drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements you are using before using mupirocin cream or ointment.
Tell other healthcare providers you are using this medicine before they prescribe new medications.
Do not put cosmetics or skin care products on the treated skin.
Mupirocin side effects - How does Mupirocin make you feel?
Serious side effects
Talk to a doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect, including:
Severe diarrhea that may be bloody, stomach cramps, or pain
Severe skin rash, burning, or itching
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Less serious side effects
Mild stinging, burning, or itching where you apply the medicine
Rash
Headache
Sources:
Bactroban (mupirocin) drug summary, Prescriber’s Digital Reference
Mupirocin cream, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)
Mupirocin ointment, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)
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