Mupirocin

Pronunciation

(myoo PEER oh sin)

U.S. Brand Names

Bactroban®; Bactroban® Nasal; Centany™

Synonyms

Mupirocin Calcium; Pseudomonic Acid A

Generic Available

Yes: Topical ointment

Canadian Brand Names

Bactroban®

Use

Intranasal: Eradication of nasal colonization with MRSA in adult patients and healthcare workers

Topical treatment of impetigo due to Staphylococcus aureus , beta-hemolytic Streptococcus , and S. pyogenes

Use - Unlabeled/Investigational

Intranasal: Surgical prophylaxis to prevent wound infections

Pregnancy Risk Factor

Pregnancy Implications

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women; use during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Lactation

Excretion in breast milk unknown/use caution

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to mupirocin, polyethylene glycol, or any component of the formulation

Warnings/Precautions

Potentially toxic amounts of polyethylene glycol contained in the vehicle may be absorbed percutaneously in patients with extensive burns or open wounds; prolonged use may result in over growth of nonsusceptible organisms; for external use only; not for treatment of pressure sores

Adverse Reactions

Frequency not defined.

Central nervous system: Dizziness, headache

Dermatologic: Pruritus, rash, erythema, dry skin, cellulitis, dermatitis

Gastrointestinal: Nausea, taste perversion

Local: Burning, stinging, tenderness, edema, pain

Respiratory: Rhinitis, upper respiratory tract infection, pharyngitis, cough

Drug Interactions

No data reported

Stability

Do not mix with Aquaphor®, coal tar solution, or salicylic acid

Compatibility

Do not mix with Aquaphor®, coal tar solution, or salicylic acid.

Mechanism of Action

Binds to bacterial isoleucyl transfer-RNA synthetase resulting in the inhibition of protein and RNA synthesis

Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics

Absorption: Topical: Penetrates outer layers of skin; systemic absorption minimal through intact skin

Protein binding: 95%

Metabolism: Skin: 3% to monic acid

Half-life elimination: 17-36 minutes

Excretion: Urine

Dosage

Children 12 years and Adults: Intranasal: Approximately one-half of the ointment from the single-use tube should be applied into one nostril and the other half into the other nostril twice daily for 5 days

Children 3 months and Adults: Topical: Apply small amount to affected area 2-5 times/day for 5-14 days

Patient Education

For external use only. Wash hands before and after application. Apply thin film over affected areas exactly as directed. Avoid getting in eyes. Report rash, persistent burning, stinging, swelling, itching, or pain. Contact prescriber if no improvement is seen in 3-5 days. Breast-feeding precaution: Consult prescriber if breast-feeding.

Nursing Implications

Not for treatment of pressure sores in elderly patients; contains polyethylene glycol vehicle

Additional Information

Not for treatment of pressure sores; contains polyethylene glycol vehicle.

Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment

No significant effects or complications reported

Dental Health: Vasoconstrictor/Local Anesthetic Precautions

No information available to require special precautions

Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status

None reported

Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment

None reported

Dosage Forms

Cream, topical, as calcium (Bactroban®): 2% (15 g, 30 g) [contains benzyl alcohol]

Ointment, intranasal, topical, as calcium (Bactroban® Nasal): 2% (1 g) [single-use tube]

Ointment, topical: 2% (22 g)

Bactroban®: 2% (22 g)

Centany™: 2% (15 g, 30 g)

References

Blumer JL, Lemon E, O'Horo J, et al, "Changing Therapy for Skin and Soft Tissue Infections in Children: Have We Come Full Circle?" Pediatr Infect Dis J , 1987, 6(1):117-22.

Britton JW, Fajardo JE, and Krafte-Jacobs B, "Comparison of Mupirocin and Erythromycin in the Treatment of Impetigo," J Pediatr , 1990, 117(5):827-9.

Goldfarb J, Crenshaw D, O'Horo J, et al, "Randomized Clinical Trial of Topical Mupirocin Versus Oral Erythromycin for Impetigo," Antimicrob Agents Chemother , 1988, 32(12):1780-3.

Perl TM, Cullen JJ, Wenzel RP, et al, "Intranasal Mupirocin to Prevent Postoperative Staphylococcus aureus Infections," N Engl J Med , 2002, 346(24):1871-7.

International Brand Names

Bactoderm® (ID, IL); Bactroban® (AR, AT, AU, BE, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CR, CZ, DK, DO, ES, FI, FR, GB, GT, HK, HN, HU, ID, IE, IL, IN, IT, KW, LU, MX, NL, NZ, PA, PL, PT, RO, RU, SE, SG, SV, TH, TR, YU, ZA); Bactroban Nasal® (CH, FI, GB, IE, IL, SE); Betrion® (HR, SI); Infectopyoderm® (DE); Mupiderm® (FR); Mupirocina® (BR); Mupirocin-Teva® (IL); Mupirox® (AR, PL); Muporin® (TH); Plasimine® (ES); Seladerm® (EC); Turixin® (DE); Underan® (CL)

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process . A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2007 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Home > Medical Reference > Complementary Medicine