Uses
What is mupirocin used for?
Mupirocin is commonly used to treat some skin infections, such as impetigo, caused by certain bacteria.
Mupirocin may not be appropriate for some of the infections listed above, depending on which germs are causing the infection. Bacteria in some locations may have developed resistance to mupirocin, which will make it less effective.
Mupirocin may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does mupirocin work (mechanism of action)?
Mupirocin stops certain bacteria from making the proteins they need to grow and multiply.
How is mupirocin supplied (dosage forms)?
Brands and other names
- Bactroban
- Centany
Dosage forms and strengths
- 2% topical cream
- 2% topical ointment
How should I store mupirocin?
Mupirocin should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid freezing mupirocin cream.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of mupirocin?
The most common side effects of mupirocin are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Headache (cream)
- Nausea
- Rash
- Pain, itching, or burning where it is applied
There may be other side effects of mupirocin that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of mupirocin?
While less common, the most serious side effects of mupirocin are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Mupirocin may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using mupirocin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Local Skin Reaction. Mupirocin may cause certain reactions on your skin, such as irritation, severe itching, or a rash. Stop using mupirocin right away and talk to your healthcare provider if you have these symptoms.
Antibiotic-associated Diarrhea. An overgrowth of germs called Clostridioides difficile, or “C. diff,” can happen in your gut with many types of antibiotics, including mupirocin. This can cause a condition known as antibiotic-associated diarrhea and can happen even up to two months after stopping the antibiotic. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of this condition.
- Watery diarrhea
- Diarrhea that does not go away
- Blood in your stool (poop)
- Severe stomach cramps
- Fever that starts after you start or finish the medicine
Infection. Using mupirocin for a long period of time may lead to an infection with other types of germs, such as a fungus. Only use mupirocin for as long as your healthcare provider tells you. Call your healthcare provider if your infection does not improve or gets worse while using mupirocin.
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use mupirocin?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use mupirocin.
- Mupirocin
- Bactroban
- Centany
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific mupirocin products they stock.
What should I know about mupirocin before using it?
Do not use mupirocin unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.
Do not share mupirocin with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep mupirocin out of the reach of children.
Do not use mupirocin at the same time you apply other lotions, creams, or ointments.
Mupirocin is only for use on your skin. Avoid getting mupirocin in your eyes. If mupirocin does get in your eyes, rinse your eyes well with water. You should not put mupirocin in your mouth, nose, or vagina.
You can use a cotton swab or a piece of gauze to apply a small amount of mupirocin, to avoid touching the infected area. Follow any other specific instructions from your healthcare provider about covering the area. Wash your hands before and after using mupirocin.
Contact your healthcare provider if your infection is not getting better after using mupirocin for three to five days.
Do not apply mupirocin ointment to skin near an intravenous (IV) site. If your ointment has an ingredient called polyethylene glycol, do not use it on open skin wounds or damaged skin. The ingredient can damage your kidneys if you get exposed to large amounts. The risk of kidney damage may be higher if you already have kidney problems. Talk with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using mupirocin?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if mupirocin is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have kidney problems.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how mupirocin could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if mupirocin passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use mupirocin while breastfeeding. If you are breastfeeding and you use mupirocin on your breast or nipple, wash the area well to remove the medicine before breastfeeding.
Interactions
Does mupirocin interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between mupirocin and foods or drinks.
There are no known interactions between mupirocin and alcohol.
Does mupirocin interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
There are no known interactions between mupirocin and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much mupirocin?
If you or someone else has used too much mupirocin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of mupirocin?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
It is important to complete your prescribed course of mupirocin, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are not resistant to mupirocin or other similar medicines.
Are you currently using Mupirocin topical?
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