Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: MUPIROCIN - TOPICAL OINTMENT (myou-PEER-oh-sin)
BRAND NAME(S): Bactroban
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: Mupirocin is used to treat certain skin infections (e.g., impetigo). It is an antibiotic that works by stopping the growth of certain bacteria.
HOW TO USE: Use this medication only on the skin. Clean and dry the affected area first. Then apply a small amount of ointment to the area 3 times a day, or as directed by your doctor. You may cover the treated area with a bandage. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Continue to use it for the full amount of time prescribed. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection. Avoid using this medication around your eyes, nose, mouth, or on large areas of damaged or broken skin unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve in 3-5 days.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause burning, stinging, itching or pain at first as your body adjusts to it. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Seek immediate medical attention if a rash or severe itching occurs. Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a new infection (e.g., fungal infection). Contact your doctor if you notice signs of a new infection. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using mupirocin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; allergic to polyethylene glycol; or if you have any other allergies. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Rash - Learn about rash causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. Common skin rashes include poison ivy, hives, shingles, eczema, contact dermatitis, ringworm, psoriasis and impetigo.
- Drugs: What You Should Know About Your Drugs - Find out what you should know about your drugs such as side effects, warnings and precautions, storage information, and if a generic version is as good as the brand name.
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