Mupirocin is an antibiotic drug to treat impetigo and skin infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus,Streptococcus pyogenes, or Streptococcusspp. This drug is available in the form of an ointment or cream and should only be used according to a doctor's prescription.
Mupirocin works by inhibiting the action of enzymes soleucyl-tRNA synthetase what bacteria need to grow and develop. That way, the bacteria will stop growing and eventually die.
Mupirocin trademark: Bactoderm, Bactroban, Mertus, Mupicor, Mupipro, Mupirocin Calcium, Pibaksin, Pyrotopes
What is Mupirocin
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Antibiotics |
| Benefit | Overcoming bacterial infections on the skin |
| Used by | Adults and children |
| Mupirocin for pregnant and lactating women | Category B: Animal studies have not shown any risk to the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. It is not known whether mupirocin is absorbed into breast milk or not. For breastfeeding mothers, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Ointments and creams (cream) |
Precautions Before Using Mupirocin
Mupirocin should not be used carelessly. Before using mupirocin, you need to pay attention to the following points:
- Do not use mupirocin if you are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had kidney disease, liver disease, open wounds, burns, or extensive skin damage.
- Tell your doctor about any medicines you are or will be taking, including supplements and herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction or overdose after taking mupirocin.
Dosage and Rules for Use of Mupirocin
Mupirocin will be prescribed by a doctor. The dosage may vary according to the dosage form and the conditions to be treated. In general, the following is a breakdown of mupirocin dosages:
Condition: Impetigo and bacterial infections of the skin
Drug form: mupirocin 2% ointment
- Adults and children: Apply the drug on the infected area 2-3 times a day, for a maximum of 10 days.
Condition: Secondary bacterial infection of the skin
Drug form: 2% mupirocin cream
- Adults and children age 1 year: Apply the drug on the infected area 3 times once, for a maximum of 10 days. Call the doctor if within 3-5 days there is no improvement in the condition.
How to Use Mupirocin Correctly
Follow the doctor's instructions and read the instructions on the medicine package for using mupirocin. This drug is only used as a topical medication on the infected skin.
Clean the skin area to be treated, then wash your hands before using the medicine. Apply the medicine gently using cotton bud to the infected skin area.
A stinging feeling on the skin with every first use is normal and will go away on its own.
Be sure to take mupirocin regularly for the drug to be more effective. Even if your condition improves, do not stop treatment suddenly without the doctor's permission. This is to prevent the infection from reappearing.
If you forget to use mupirocin, use it immediately if the interval with the next scheduled use is not too close. When it is close, ignore and do not double the dose.
Do not use mupirocin for more than 10 days. If symptoms do not improve within 3-5 days after using the drug, contact your doctor immediately.
Store mupirocin in a closed place. Keep the medicine away from damp, hot temperatures, and in direct sunlight. Keep medicine out of reach of children.
Mupirocin Interactions with Other Drugs
It is not known what drug interactions may occur when mupirocin is used with other medicines. However, to prevent unwanted interactions, be sure to tell your doctor if you are or will be taking certain medicines at the same time as mupirocin.
Mupirocin Side Effects and Dangers
Side effects that can arise from the use of mupirocin include:
- Burning or stinging skin
- Skin feels dry and itchy
- Reddish skin or rash appears on the skin
- Skin hurts when touched
- The infected area oozes more fluid
- Nauseous
If these side effects don't get better or get worse, call your doctor. Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to the drug or a more serious side effect, such as stomach pain or diarrhea.