Topical antibiotics: What They Do, Medicines
Topical antibiotics are creams and ointments put on the skin to treat bacterial skin infections. Examples are framycetin and mupirocin. They treat bacteria only, not fungal, viral or other rashes, and a doctor decides which one is suitable. Using them for longer than advised can lead to resistant bacteria or other germs such as fungi growing.
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How do Topical antibiotics work?
Topical antibiotics are applied straight onto the infected skin, where they stop bacteria from growing or kill them. Each type blocks a different step in how bacteria make proteins.
Active ingredients of this type
These active ingredients belong to Topical antibiotics. They are listed A to Z.
- Framycetin: Framycetin is an antibiotic applied to the skin to treat bacterial skin infections and infected wounds or burns.
- Mupirocin: Mupirocin is an antibiotic ointment used on the skin to treat bacterial skin infections such as impetigo.
Common questions
Can I use an antibiotic cream on any rash?
No. Antibiotic creams work only on bacteria. They do nothing for fungal infections such as ringworm, or for viral or allergic rashes, and unnecessary use can let resistant bacteria or fungi grow. Ask a doctor or pharmacist what is causing the rash before using one.
How long should a topical antibiotic be used?
Only for the time stated on the pack or by your doctor. Prolonged use can allow other organisms, including fungi, to overgrow. If the skin has not improved after a few days, or gets worse, go back to a doctor rather than carrying on.
Sources
- Impetigo. NHS (UK)
- Sofra-Tulle (framycetin sulphate 1%): prescribing information. Health Canada Drug Product Database (Searchlight Pharma monograph, 2022)
- Mupirocin ointment, 2%: prescribing information (PAI Pharma). DailyMed, US National Library of Medicine
- National Formulary of India. Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission