Bactroban (Mupirocin) Ointment

Bactroban general information

What is Bactroban used for?

Bactroban ointment is a topical treatment for a variety of primary bacterial skin infections, including, impetigo, a superficial skin infection most common in young children; folliculitis, infection of the hair root ; furunculosis, also known as boils; ecthyma, a deep, ulcerating infection of the skin caused by streptococcus bacteria. Bactroban ointment is also used to treat secondary infections that occur in damaged skin, for example due to eczema, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, herpes (cold sores), genetic skin disorders that cause dry, fragile skin, and also for treatment of infected traumatic lesions such as wounds, ulcers, minor burns, cuts, grazes and insect bites, as well as to prevent the development of infection and help wound healing.

How does Bactroban work?

Bactroban ointment contains mupirocin, an antibiotic that has very potent bactericidal activity, and is used as a topical treatment for a variety of primary skin infections; and secondary infections that occur in damaged skin and in skin lesions. Mupirocin in Bactroban ointment inhibits protein and RNA synthesis in susceptible bacteria, which include, staphylococci, streptococci, Escherichia coli and Haemophilus influenzae; and this action blocks growth and replication of the susceptible bacteria,

What does Bactroban contain?

Bactroban ointment contains the active ingredient mupirocin 2%, a topical antibiotic used to treat variety of skin infections. It also contains in a bland water soluble base consisting of polyethylene glycol (Macrogol 400 and Macrogol 3350).

Treating skin infections with Bactroban

Bactroban ointment contains mupirocin, an antibiotic that is used as a topical treatment for a variety of skin infections. Mupirocin in Bactroban ointment inhibits the protein and RNA synthesis in susceptible bacteria, which blocks growth and replication of these bacteria. Skin infections that Bactroban ointment is used for include impetigo, a superficial skin infection most common in young children; folliculitis, infection of the hair root; furunculosis, also known as boils; ecthyma, a deep, ulcerating infection of the skin caused by streptococcus bacteria. Bactroban ointment is also effective against secondary infections that occur in damaged skin due to eczema, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, herpes and genetic skin disorders that cause dry, fragile skin; as well as for infected traumatic lesions such as wounds, ulcers, minor burns, cuts, grazes and insect bites; and to prevent the development of infection and help wound healing.

What are the side effects of Bactroban?

The most commonly reported side effects when using Bactroban ointment are mainly at the site of application and include: itching, dryness, burning, redness, stinging, pain or swelling.

When should Bactroban not be used?

You should not use Bactroban if you:

• are allergic to mupirocin or any ingredients in Bactroban ointment
• have an infection in your eye or nose, as Bactroban ointment is suitable only for skin infections
• have an infection in an open wound and have kidney disease, as the polyethylene glycol in Bactroban ointment can be absorbed and is excreted by the kidneys

How should Bactroban be taken?

You should apply Bactroban ointment to the affected area three times each day for as long as recommended by your doctor, usually for up to 10 days. Squeeze a small amount onto your finger tip and rub in gently; always wash your hands before and after applying the ointment. Your doctor may recommend applying a gauze to the infected area over the ointment.

How long should you take Bactroban?

You should apply Bactroban ointment each day for as long as recommended by your doctor, usually for up to 10 days, depending on what you are being treated for.

Missed dose of Bactroban

If you miss an application of Bactroban ointment take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed application. Do not apply a double dose.

How should Bactroban be stored?

You should store your Bactroban ointment in the original pack at room temperature below 25°C; do not freeze the ointment.