Mupirocin: Uses, How It Works, Medicines
Mupirocin is an antibiotic ointment used on the skin to treat bacterial skin infections such as impetigo. It treats bacteria only and is not for fungal or viral rashes. It is a prescription medicine for use on the skin, and the doctor decides how long to use it.
Also known as: Mupirocin 2% ointment, Mupirocin calcium, Bactroban, T-Bact, Mupirocin ointment
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How does Mupirocin work?
Mupirocin blocks an enzyme that bacteria need to make their proteins. Without these proteins the bacteria cannot grow, which helps the skin heal.
How to take Mupirocin
Follow the label or your doctor's advice. A small amount is usually applied to the affected skin with clean hands, a cotton swab or gauze, and your doctor decides how often and for how long.
Side effects of Mupirocin
Most people have no problem with mupirocin 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 that appears during or after antibiotic use
Who should be careful
Some people need extra care with mupirocin.
When the label says not to use it
- Allergy to mupirocin or to any ingredient of 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 Mupirocin
Mupirocin used on the skin 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 it is swallowed in large amounts, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital and take the pack with you.
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. Combination products with other ingredients are treated differently, so check the ingredient list on the pack.
Type of medicine
Mupirocin belongs to this type of medicine.
Medicines that contain Mupirocin
These medicines sold in India contain Mupirocin. They are listed A to Z, not ranked.
- T-Bact · 2% skin ointment
What is Mupirocin used for?
Medicines that contain Mupirocin are used for these conditions.
Other medicines of the same type
These active ingredients are of the same type as Mupirocin.
Common questions
What is mupirocin used for?
Mupirocin ointment 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 should I do if mupirocin 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 mupirocin inside my nose?
Only if your doctor has prescribed a nasal form. 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.
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)