Mupirocin Topical

Mupirocin is a prescription drug used to treat certain skin infections, such as impetigo and methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

It's sold under the brand names Bactroban and Centany.

Mupirocin is an antibiotic. It works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved mupirocin in 1987 for manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline under the brand name Bactroban. Generic mupirocin is now available from several drug companies.

Mupirocin Warnings

Don't use mupirocin if you have a fungal or viral infection. This medicine is only effective against bacterial infections.

Before taking mupirocin, tell your doctor if you have:

• Allergies to any medicines
• Kidney problems
• A burn or open wound

Don't swallow mupirocin or get the medicine in your eyes.

Talk to your doctor before giving this drug to a child.

Mupirocin may put you at risk for developing a serious form of diarrhea known as C. difficile or pseudomembranous colitis, which can happen during treatment or several months later.

Call your doctor right away if you experience:

• Severe diarrhea
• Bloody stools
• Stomach pain or cramps

Don't use this medicine for a shorter or longer amount of time than your doctor prescribes.

Using mupirocin for longer periods of time may cause a secondary infection. Stopping the drug too soon may not clear up your infection.

Call your doctor if you still have symptoms of an infection after you finish your treatment with mupirocin, or if your symptoms don't improve after three to five days of taking the medicine.

Pregnancy and Mupirocin

Mupirocin isn't likely to cause harm in an unborn baby.

However, tell your doctor if you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant before taking this medicine.

It's not known whether this drug is found in breast milk or could hurt a breastfeeding baby.

Talk to your doctor before breastfeeding while using mupirocin.

In the U.S.

• Bactroban
• Centany
• Centany AT

Available Dosage Forms:

• Ointment
• Cream

Therapeutic Class: Antibacterial

Mupirocin topical cream is used to treat secondarily infected traumatic skin lesions due to specific bacteria. Mupirocin topical ointment is used to treat impetigo. mupirocin works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth.

mupirocin is available only with your doctor's prescription.

If your skin infection does not improve within 3 to 5 days, or if it becomes worse, check with your doctor.

mupirocin may cause diarrhea, and in some cases it can be severe. It may occur 2 months or more after you stop using mupirocin. Do not take any medicine to treat diarrhea without first checking with your doctor. If you have any questions or if mild diarrhea continues or gets worse, check with your doctor.

Check with your doctor right away if you have a severe itching, skin rash, burning, stinging, redness, swelling, or irritation on the skin.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes, mouth, or nose. A separate product called mupirocin nasal is made for use in the nose. Mupirocin topical is for use only on the skin.

Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with mupirocin topical unless your doctor tells you to.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless your doctor directs you to do so. A different medication may be necessary in that case.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.Information last revised July 2016. Copyright(c) 2016 First Databank, Inc.