Indications
- Mupirocin treats skin infections like impetigo.
- Antibiotic that works by halting the growth of specific bacteria.
Dosage and administration
- Read Patient Information Leaflet before using mupirocin, ask doctor/pharmacist if you have questions.
- Apply medication only on the skin, clean and dry the affected area first.
- Use a small amount of ointment as directed by doctor, usually 3 times a day.
- Treated area can be covered with a bandage.
- Use regularly for maximum benefit, follow prescribed duration even if symptoms improve.
- Avoid applying around eyes, nose, mouth, or on large areas of damaged/broken skin unless directed by doctor.
- Rinse well with water if accidentally gets in eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Inform doctor if condition doesn’t improve in 3 to 5 days.
Side effects
- Medication prescribed due to doctor’s judgment of greater benefit than risk.
- Serious side effects uncommon; many users experience no serious side effects.
- Mild burning or stinging may occur, uncommon but if severe, stop use and inform doctor.
- Rarely, may cause severe intestinal condition (C. difficile) with symptoms like persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, blood/mucus in stool; inform doctor immediately.
- Avoid anti-diarrhea or opioid products if experiencing symptoms.
- Prolonged/repeated use may lead to new skin infection by fungus or yeast; inform doctor if new infection or current one doesn’t improve/worsens.
- Very serious allergic reaction is rare; seek immediate medical help for symptoms like rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
- Not an exhaustive list; contact doctor/pharmacist for other effects.
Precautions
- Inform doctor/pharmacist of allergies before using mupirocin.
- Inactive ingredients like polyethylene glycol may cause allergic reactions; consult pharmacist for details.
- Disclose medical history, especially kidney disease if using mupirocin with polyethylene glycol.
- Inform healthcare professionals about medication use before surgery.
- During pregnancy, use only if clearly needed; discuss risks and benefits with doctor.
- Unknown if drug passes into breast milk; consult doctor before breastfeeding.