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Mupirocin
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Description
Mupirocin is a topical antibiotic. It is used for the treatment of bacterial skin infections. It works by killing the infection-causing bacteria and preventing further bacterial growth.
Mupirocin may cause burning sensation, itching, redness, and dryness at the site of application. Consult your doctor if these symptoms persist or if they become severe.
Mupirocin should be applied topically on the affected part of your skin as directed by your doctor. Continue using the medicine for the prescribed duration to reduce your risk of re-infection.
Mupirocin should be avoided if you are allergic to it. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, or are breastfeeding before using this medication.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Mupirocin
Burning sensation at the application site
Skin rash or itching
Redness, swelling or pain of the skin
Uses of Mupirocin
What is it prescribed for?
Bacterial skin infections
Mupirocin is used in the treatment of bacterial skin infections such as impetigo (contagious skin infection that causes red sores on your face, hands, and feet), folliculitis (swelling of the skin around your hair roots), and boils (painful, pus-filled bumps under your skin).
Secondary skin infections
Mupirocin is used to treat infections of your skin that may be acquired due to small cuts or wounds, caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogens.
Concerns
Commonly asked questions
Onset of action
The time required by Mupirocin to show its effect is not clinically known.Duration of effect
The duration for which Mupirocin remains active after topical application is not clinically known.Safe with alcohol?
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.Is it habit forming?
No habit-forming tendency has been reported with Mupirocin.Usage in pregnancy?
Mupirocin when applied topically is not known to affect your developing foetus. Hence this medicine is safe to use during pregnancy upon your doctor's recommendation.Usage while breast-feeding?
Mupirocin when applied topically is not known to harm your breastfed infant. Hence this medicine is safe to use during breastfeeding upon your doctor's recommendation. However, avoid applying this medicine to breast areas (nipple) that may come into contact with your infant.
Allergy
Avoid Mupirocin if you are allergic to it. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of allergic reactions such as skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of your face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, breathing difficulty, etc.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Mupirocin when applied topically is not known to affect your developing foetus. Hence this medicine is safe to use during pregnancy upon your doctor's recommendation.
Breast-feeding
Mupirocin when applied topically is not known to harm your breastfed infant. Hence this medicine is safe to use during breastfeeding upon your doctor's recommendation. However, avoid applying this medicine to breast areas (nipple) that may come into contact with your infant.
General warnings
Antibiotic resistance
Antibiotic resistance occurs when the bacteria develop the ability to defeat the medicine that was intended to kill them. Hence, to avoid such resistance, you should always complete the entire course of treatment with Mupirocin as prescribed by your doctor.
External use only
Mupirocin is meant for external use only. Avoid contact with your eyes. In case of accidental contact with your eyes, rinse thoroughly with water. Seek immediate medical help in case of accidental ingestion.
Other medicines
Mupirocin may interact with other medicines meant for topical use. Inform your doctor about all the topical preparations (ointments/lotions/gels) that you may have been using to avoid undesired side effects.
Missed Dose
Apply the missed dose of Mupirocin as soon as you remember. Do not apply a double dose to make up for the missed one.
Overdose
Since Mupirocin is intended for external use, the likelihood of an overdose is low. However, do not administer more than the prescribed dose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Disease interactions
Disease
Information not available.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Cream/Ointment/Powder: Mupirocin is meant for external use only. Use it as directed by your doctor.
Close the cover of the tube immediately after use to keep it clean and free from contamination. Do not wipe or rinse the tip of the tube.
Use Mupirocin at around the same time daily for the ease of remembrance. Ensure that you complete the course of the treatment as prescribed by your doctor.
You can cover the application area with bandages or other coverings as instructed by your doctor.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Mupirocin is an antibiotic that works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. This prevents cell growth and eventually kills the bacteria.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Topical antibiotics
Schedule
N/A
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CiplaMed. 2021. MUPINASE Ointment/ Cream. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 4 October 2021].
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. Mupirocin 2% w/w Ointment - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 4 October 2021].
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 4 October 2021].
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. Bactroban 2% Cream - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 4 October 2021].
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 4 October 2021].
Accessdata.fda.gov. 2021. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 4 October 2021].
Information on this page was last updated on 2 Nov 2021
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.