Mupirocin
About Mupirocin
Mupirocin is a novel topical antibiotic used to treat skin infection 'impetigo' caused by bacteria, namely Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. A bacterial infection is a condition in which bacteria grow in the body and cause infection. It can target any body part and multiple very quickly.
Mupirocin works by stopping the production of proteins needed for bacterial surveillance. It is also active against Gram-negative organisms such as Escherichia coli and Haemophilus influenza. However, it is not effective against fungal or viral infections and should not be applied to burnt skin areas and open-cut wounds.
Mupirocin should only be used if your doctor advises you to do so. It is not recommended for children below 2 months of age. Mupirocin should be used for skin only, and if it accidentally gets into your eye, mouth, or nose, rinse with water. Mupirocin should be applied to the affected area with a piece of clean cotton wool or gauze swab. Mupirocin should not be applied more than the recommended dose, to avoid unpleasant side effects. Also, the course should be completed even if you feel better, as it is an antibiotic. Some common side effects of Mupirocin are burning, itching, redness, stinging and dryness on your skin in the place where Mupirocin is applied. Sensitive allergic reactions (skin hypersensitivity reactions) like rashes, itching, swelling, and shortness of breath can occur in rare cases. Please consult your doctor if an allergic reaction becomes severe.
Tell your doctor if you are known to be allergic to Mupirocin or any other medicines. It is not known whether Mupirocin harms the baby or passes into breast milk. It is better to contact a doctor before using Mupirocin during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
Uses of Mupirocin
Medicinal Benefits
Mupirocin is widely used to treat skin infections caused by specific bacteria. This medicine works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Mupirocin
- Burning
- Itching
- Redness
- Stinging
- Dryness
Drug Warnings
Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea (CDAD) has been reported while using major topical antibacterial products. If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, the ongoing treatment of Mupirocin should be discontinued. Mupirocin should be stopped if irritation, severe itching, or skin rash occurs. If there is no improvement observed in 3-5 days, contact your doctor. Mupirocin should be used with caution in children less than 2 months of age. Prolonged use of Mupirocin may result in the overgrowth of fungi. Rinse with water in a case Mupirocin accidentally enters your nose, eyes, or mouth. A separate product of nasal is available for use in the nose. Mupirocin topical is for use only on the skin. Do not apply on the burnt skin or open cut wound.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: No drug interactions have been identified with Mupirocin.
Drug-Food Interaction: No food interactions have been identified with Mupirocin.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Use with caution in patients with kidney disease or those on dialysis.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
safe if prescribedNo reported interaction with Mupirocin. But, It is best to avoid alcohol while taking medication.
Pregnancy
safe if prescribedMupirocin is a category B pregnancy drug. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.
Breast Feeding
safe if prescribedWhether Mupirocin enters breast milk is unknown. Before using this medication, let your doctor know if you are nursing a baby. Before nursing your child, you must thoroughly wash the area if you are applying Mupirocin to the breast or nipple.
Driving
safe if prescribedMupirocin has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive or use machines.
Liver
safe if prescribedMupirocin has no reported interaction; hence, if you experience any difficulty, discuss it with your doctor.
Kidney
safe if prescribedMupirocin does not have any reported interaction; hence, in case you experience any difficulty, discuss it with your doctor.
Children
safe if prescribedMupirocin can be given safely to children provided; dose has been prescribed by a child specialist. However, Mupirocin should not be used in children less than 2 months of age.
Habit Forming
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Your skin is your body’s largest organ. Its aim is to protect your body against infection. The skin itself occasionally gets infected. Bacterial skin infections frequently begin as tiny, red bumps that increase in size slowly. A wide variety of germs cause skin infections, and symptoms can range from mild to severe. With over-the-counter medications and home remedies, mild infections may be treatable, while other infections may need medical attention.
FAQs
Mupirocin is a novel topical antibiotic used to treat skin infection 'impetigo' caused by bacterias namely Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes.
Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cured. But, it would be suggested to complete the full course of treatment even if you feel better.
Exercise caution while using this medicine for treating skin with any open wounds unless suggested by your doctor. Not be used around eyes or nose.
Apply a small amount of Mupirocin, with a cotton swab or gauze pad to the affected area of the skin as per the dosage and schedule prescribed by your doctor.
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhoea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhoea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrheal medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
