About Mupirocin 2% Ointment
Mupirocin 2% Ointment contains Mupirocin 2%. Mupirocin ointment is an antibiotic applied to the skin. It treats bacterial skin infections such as impetigo and infected small cuts or wounds. It is usually used for a short course.
Uses of Mupirocin 2% Ointment
- Impetigo (a contagious skin infection with crusty sores)
- Infected small cuts, grazes and wounds
- Infected hair follicles and boils, as advised by your doctor
Benefits
In bacterial skin infections
It stops the bacteria from growing, which helps sores heal and stops the infection from spreading. Complete the course your doctor advises.
Side effects
Mild burning or stinging is common and usually short-lived.
Common
- Burning or stinging where applied
- Itching
- Redness
- Dry skin
Get medical help if you notice
- Severe itching, swelling or rash where applied — stop and contact your doctor
- Allergic reaction: widespread rash, swelling of the face or lips, difficulty breathing — seek emergency care
- Severe or bloody diarrhoea (rare) — contact your doctor
How to use
Wash and dry your hands and the affected area. Apply a small amount to the affected skin only, as often as your doctor advises. You can cover it with a clean dressing if needed. Wash your hands afterwards. Keep it away from the eyes and do not use it inside the nose.
How it works
It blocks an enzyme bacteria need to make proteins, so the bacteria cannot grow and multiply.
Safety advice
Alcohol Safe
No interaction with alcohol is known.
Pregnancy Consult your doctor
Use only if your doctor advises it.
Breastfeeding Consult your doctor
Ask your doctor first. If applied to the nipple area, wash it off well before feeding.
Driving Safe
It is not expected to affect driving.
Kidney Caution
Do not use it on large open wounds or burns if you have kidney disease, as an ingredient of the ointment base can be absorbed. Ask your doctor.
Liver Consult your doctor
There is no specific advice for liver disease. Tell your doctor about any medical conditions.
If you miss a dose
If you forget to apply it, apply it when you remember. If it is nearly time for the next application, skip the missed one. Do not apply extra.
Quick tips
- Complete the course; see your doctor if there is no improvement in 3 to 5 days.
- Do not use it for longer than advised, as bacteria may become resistant.
- Impetigo spreads easily — wash hands often and do not share towels.
- Do not mix it with other creams on the same area.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Monoxycarbolic acid (pseudomonic acid)
- Therapeutic class
- Dermatological / anti-infective
- Action class
- Topical antibacterial
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Other creams or ointments on the same area | May dilute the medicine and reduce its effect; apply separately |
| Other medicines | No important interactions are known; tell your doctor about all medicines you use |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Mupirocin 2% ointment prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); US FDA mupirocin ointment labelling; NICE BNF: mupirocin). Pharmacist review pending.