Bactroban (Mupirocin) belongs to the class of medications called topical antibiotics. It is applied topically (to the skin) to treat skin infections such as impetigo, caused by certain bacteria. It may also be used to prevent infections from developing in scrapes and minor cuts and injuries. It works by killing the bacteria that cause the skin infection.

Bactroban (Mupirocin) may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of Bactroban (Mupirocin) may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of Bactroban (Mupirocin) may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested Bactroban (Mupirocin) for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are using Bactroban (Mupirocin), speak to your doctor. Do not stop using Bactroban (Mupirocin) without consulting your doctor.

Do not give Bactroban (Mupirocin) to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take Bactroban (Mupirocin) if their doctor has not prescribed it.

Apply a small amount of the ointment or cream to the affected area 3 times daily for up to 10 days, depending on the response. You can cover the area treated with a gauze dressing. If your condition worsens or irritation occurs, call your doctor. If Bactroban (Mupirocin) is used on the face, take care to avoid the eyes.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to use Bactroban (Mupirocin) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Bactroban (Mupirocin) at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Bactroban (Mupirocin). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Bactroban (Mupirocin) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Bactroban (Mupirocin). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• dry skin
• skin burning, itching, pain, rash, redness, stinging, or swelling

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• Diarrhea (watery and severe; may also be bloody)
• signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Bactroban (Mupirocin).

Ointment
Each gram of ointment contains Bactroban (Mupirocin) 20 mg (2%) in a bland water-soluble ointment base. Nonmedicinal ingredients: polyethylene glycol 400 and Polyethylene Glycol 3350 (polyethylene glycol ointment, USP).

Cream
Bactroban (Mupirocin) is available as a 2% topical cream and has a white-to-off-white colour. Each gram of cream contains 21.5 mg of Bactroban (Mupirocin) calcium in an oil and water-based emulsion. Nonmedicinal ingredients: benzyl alcohol, cetomacrogol 1000, cetyl alcohol, mineral oil, phenoxyethanol, purified water, stearyl alcohol, and xanthan gum.

Do not use Bactroban (Mupirocin) if you are allergic to Bactroban (Mupirocin) or any ingredients of the medication.

Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. In many cases, interactions are intended or are managed by close monitoring. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Bactroban (Mupirocin).

Diarrhea: Although less common with antibiotics applied to the skin, people using Bactroban (Mupirocin) may develop diarrhea caused by an infection with the bacteria C. difficile. If you have loose, watery, and bloody bowel movements, with or without Fever, or stomach cramps after using clindamycin topical solution, get medical attention as soon as possible. Diarrhea caused by C. difficile infection can lead to serious health problems if it is not properly treated.

Ointment caution: Polyethylene glycol (PEG) can be absorbed from open wounds and damaged skin. It is removed from the body by the kidneys. As with other PEG-based ointments, Bactroban (Mupirocin) ointment should not be used in conditions where absorption of large quantities of PEG is possible, especially in people with known kidney problems.

Overgrowth of organisms: Use of Bactroban (Mupirocin) occasionally allows the overgrowth of organisms not killed by the medication. If your condition worsens or does not improve in the expected time, call your doctor.

Pregnancy: The safety of Bactroban (Mupirocin) for the treatment of infections during pregnancy is unknown. If you are or may be pregnant, talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of using Bactroban (Mupirocin).

Breast-feeding: If you are breast-feeding, talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of using Bactroban (Mupirocin).

If you are using Bactroban (Mupirocin) to treat a cracked nipple, your doctor may advise you to use a breast pump to pump the milk from the affected breast while you are using Bactroban (Mupirocin). The milk from the affected breast should be discarded.