Mupirocin: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

What medicine is Mupirocin?

What is Mupirocin for?

Mupirocin is a drug used to treat several types of bacterial infections, one of which is impetigo skin infection.

This drug is included in the class of antibiotic drugs that work by stopping the growth of bacteria.

Apart from fighting skin infections, this drug can also be used to treat bacterial infections of the nose, especially those caused by bacteria Staphylococci.

The dosages and side effects of mupirocin are detailed below.

How is Mupirocin used?

This medication is available as a topical ointment. For nasal use, apply half the tube to one nostril and half into the other nostril, usually in the morning and evening, or as directed by your doctor.

Then, gently press your nostrils together and release. Repeat this for about 1 minute to spread the ointment. Discard the medicine tube after using it in both nostrils.

Use this remedy regularly for maximum benefits. Continue to use this medication until the prescribed one is finished.

Do not use this medication for more than the recommended dose, for less, or for longer than the recommended dosage. Stopping the drug too quickly can further allow bacteria to thrive.

Avoid contact with your eyes. If medication gets into your eyes, wash them with plenty of water.

The manufacturer recommends not to use this medication with other nasal products.

Follow the rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store this drug?

Mupirocin ointment is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it.

Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush Mupirocin ointment down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so.

Discard this product when the drug has expired or when it is no longer needed.

Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal agency about how to safely dispose of your medicine.

Mupirocin dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage of Mupirocin for adults?

Adult Dose for Skin and Structural Infections

Cream:
Apply a small amount of the medicine to the affected area 3 times a day for 10 days.

Ointment:
Use a small amount of the medicine on the affected area 3 times a day for 7-14 days.

Adult Dose for Nasal Carriage of Staphylococcus aureus

Divide 2 ointments for both nostrils and use 2 times a day for 5 days.

What is the dosage of Mupirocin for children?

Child dosage for skin and structure infections

Cream:
3 months to 16 years:
Apply a small amount of the medicine to the affected area 3 times a day for 10 days.

Ointment:
2 months to 16 years:
Use a small amount of the medicine on the affected area 3 times a day for 7-14 days.

Child Dose for Nasal Carriage of Staphylococcus aureus

≥ 12 years:
Divide 2 ointments for both nostrils and use 2 times a day for 5 days.

In what dosage is this drug available?

One of the well-known trademarks of mupirocin is Bactoderm. Bactoderm ointment is available in the following dosages and sizes:

• Bactoderm cream 20 mg mupirocin (5 g and 10 g)
• Bactoderm ointment 20 mg mupirocin (10g)

Mupirocin side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to Mupirocin?

Seek immediate medical help if you develop signs of a severe (anaphylactic) allergic reaction, with symptoms such as:

• swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue
• skin rash
• itchy rash
• difficulty breathing

Stop using mupirocin nasal and call your doctor if you experience any of the serious side effects such as:

• nosebleed
• burning or burning feeling in the nose

The less severe side effects include:

• dry mouth or bad taste
• headache
• ear pain
• stuffy nose or runny nose
• nausea, diarrhea
• itchy skin, mild skin rash
• cough
• sore throat

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above.

If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Mupirocin Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using Mupirocin?

Before using mupirocin,

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to certain drugs, especially mupirocin or other ingredients in your ointment.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, especially chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin).
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking mupirocin, call your doctor right away.

Is this drug safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There is no adequate research on the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category B according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

It is not known whether nasal mupirocin passes into breast milk or whether it is harmful to a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without your doctor's knowledge if you are breastfeeding.

Mupirocin Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with Mupirocin?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this article.

Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

Can food or alcohol interact with Mupirocin?

Certain drugs should not be used when eating certain foods because drug-food interactions can occur.

Smoking tobacco or consuming alcohol with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur.

Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your doctor, medical team, or pharmacist.

What health conditions can interact with this drug?

The presence of other health problems in your body may affect the use of this medicine. Tell your doctor if you have other health problems.

According to MIMS, the following are health conditions that may interact with mupirocin ointment:

• have open wounds
• have burns
• the presence of kidney and liver problems or disease
• diarrhea

Mupirocin overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of emergency or overdose, call the medical team, ambulance (118 or 119), or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.