T-Bact: Uses, How It Works, Side Effects
Also known as: T-Bact ointment, T-Bact 2% ointment, T Bact, Mupirocin 2% ointment, Mupirocin ointment
T-Bact is an ointment containing 2% mupirocin, an antibiotic used on the skin to treat bacterial skin infections such as impetigo. It works only on bacteria, not on fungal or viral rashes. It is a prescription medicine, applied to the skin only, and the doctor decides how long to use it.
- Active ingredient
- Mupirocin 2%
- Type of medicine
- Topical antibiotics
- Used for
- Bacterial skin infections
- Starts working in
- Improvement is often seen within 3 to 5 days; see a doctor if there is none
- Effect lasts
- It acts where it is applied, so it is applied several times a day as the doctor or pack advises
- With or without food
- Not applicable, it is applied on the skin
- Alcohol
- No known effect when it is used on the skin
- Pregnancy
- Little human data; ask your doctor before using it in pregnancy or while breastfeeding
- Habit-forming
- No
- Made by
- VERIFY on pack
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
On this page
What is T-Bact used for?
T-Bact is a prescription antibiotic ointment. It is used, on a doctor's advice, to treat bacterial infections of the skin.
- Impetigo, a contagious skin infection with crusty sores, caused by susceptible bacteria
- Other bacterial skin infections, when a doctor advises it
How does T-Bact work?
Mupirocin blocks an enzyme that bacteria need to make their proteins. Without these proteins the bacteria cannot grow, which helps the infected skin heal. It works only on bacteria.
What happens in your body after you take it
You apply the ointment
A small amount is applied to the clean infected skin with clean hands, a cotton swab or gauze, as the doctor or pack advises.
It stays at the skin
Mupirocin acts on the skin surface and the upper layers. Very little goes through intact skin into the blood.
It reaches the bacteria
The antibiotic enters bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes, the usual causes of impetigo.
Bacteria stop growing
Mupirocin blocks the bacterial enzyme that makes proteins. The bacteria cannot grow, and the sores begin to heal.
The body clears the rest
Any mupirocin that is absorbed is changed to an inactive form and removed by the kidneys, so the ointment is reapplied several times a day as directed.
How to take T-Bact
Use T-Bact exactly as your doctor has prescribed or as printed on the pack. The doctor decides how often and for how long.
- It is for the skin only. Apply a small amount to the affected area as directed.
- Wash your hands before and after applying it. A cotton swab or gauze can be used and then thrown away.
- If you miss an application, apply it when you remember. Do not apply extra to make up for it.
- Do not put another cream or ointment on the same spot at the same time unless your doctor says so.
- See your doctor if the skin has not improved within a few days, or is getting worse.
Side effects of T-Bact
Most people have no problem with T-Bact on the skin. When side effects happen they are usually local and mild.
Uncommon or mild
- Burning, stinging or pain where it is applied
- Itching
- Redness, dry skin or a rash at the site
- Nausea (less common)
Rare but serious: get medical help
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, hives or difficulty breathing. Get medical help immediately
- A rash or irritation that gets worse. Stop using it and tell your doctor
- Severe or watery diarrhoea during or after antibiotic use
Who should be careful
Some people need to check with a doctor before using T-Bact, or need extra care while using it.
When the label says not to use it
- Allergy to mupirocin or to any ingredient of the ointment
- Do not use it if you are allergic to mupirocin or any ingredient in the ointment
- Keep it out of the eyes; if it gets in, rinse well with water
- It is for the skin only, not for inside the nose or on the mouth or other moist surfaces unless a doctor says so
- Kidney problems or large open areas of damaged skin: the ointment base can be absorbed, so ask a doctor first
- Do not use it around intravenous drip sites or central lines
- Long use can let other organisms, including fungi, grow
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: little human data; ask your doctor
Medicines and things that interact with T-Bact
Used on the skin, T-Bact has few known interactions, but other products on the same area can matter.
- Other lotions, creams or ointments on the same spot: the label advises not to put another one on the treated area at the same time
If someone takes too much
Using a little too much on the skin is unlikely to be serious. If a large amount is swallowed, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital and take the tube with you.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, with the cap closed tightly and out of the reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date. Check the pack for the exact storage instructions.
Regulatory status in India
Approved for sale in India as a prescription antibiotic ointment. Single-ingredient mupirocin does not appear in the CDSCO list of medicines banned under section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. T-Bact is understood to contain mupirocin only; check the ingredient list on the pack, since combination products are treated differently.
Other brands with the same medicine
Mupirocin 2% ointment is sold under other brand names and as generic ointment. They contain the same antibiotic; check the label for the strength. A separate mupirocin nasal ointment exists for the inside of the nose, so do not switch between products without asking your doctor or pharmacist.
Other strengths and forms
Mupirocin is also sold as a nasal ointment and in combination products with other medicines. The contents are printed on the pack and are not the same across products, so check the label of the one you have.
Common questions
Is T-Bact a prescription medicine?
Yes. T-Bact is an antibiotic ointment and should be used only on a doctor's advice for the time prescribed. Do not use leftover ointment on a new rash, because an antibiotic does nothing for fungal, viral or allergic rashes.
What is T-Bact ointment used for?
T-Bact is used on the skin to treat bacterial infections such as impetigo, when a doctor advises it. It does not treat fungal infections like ringworm, or viral problems like cold sores.
What if T-Bact does not seem to work?
The US label advises a medical review if there is no response within 3 to 5 days. Go back to your doctor if the skin is not improving or is getting worse, rather than carrying on for longer or switching creams yourself.
Can I put T-Bact inside my nose?
Only if your doctor has prescribed it for that. The skin ointment is not made for use inside the nose or on other moist surfaces. A separate nasal product exists, so check the label and ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Can I use T-Bact on a large wound or burn?
Ask your doctor first. On large open areas of damaged skin, the ointment base can be absorbed, which matters especially for people with kidney problems. Do not use it around a drip site or central line.
Can I use T-Bact in pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Ask your doctor first. Little human data is available, and very little mupirocin passes through intact skin, but a doctor should weigh the need for treatment against any risk.
Is impetigo contagious and how can I stop it spreading?
Yes. Impetigo spreads easily by contact and shared towels or bedding. Wash hands often, keep sores covered, do not share towels, and stay home from school or work as advised. It is usually no longer contagious about 48 hours after treatment starts.
What is the difference between T-Bact and mupirocin ointment?
T-Bact is a brand name and mupirocin is the antibiotic inside it. Other brands of mupirocin 2% ointment contain the same antibiotic. Check the strength on the pack and ask a doctor or pharmacist before switching.
Sources
- Mupirocin ointment, 2%: prescribing information (PAI Pharma). DailyMed, US National Library of Medicine
- Impetigo. NHS (UK)
- ATC/DDD Index: D06AX09 mupirocin. WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology
- List of drugs prohibited for manufacture and sale through gazette notifications under section 26A of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act 1940. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)