What is Mupirocin Ointment (Uses, Side Effect, Precautions)?

Why is Mupirocin Ointment prescribed?

Mupirocin is a topical antibiotic that is used mostly against skin infections for example impetigo and folliculitis, it is sold by the brand name Bactroban. we use Mupirocin ointment, if in our nose Methicillin-resistant S. Aureus (MRSA) is present without any symptoms. They created it like a cream to use on our skin, if you are using it for more than 10 days we don’t recommend it because it develops resistance on the skin.

In 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) created an Essential Medicines List,  the Mupirocin Ointment is one of them available in the list. In 1971 from Pseudomonas fluorescens It was initially isolated. With three million prescriptions. In the United States, the Mupirocin Ointment was the 186th most commonly prescribed medication. 

How to use Mupirocin Ointment

Mupirocin mostly used to remove the skin infections such as impetigo and folliculitis and Mupirocin mostly available in the ointment. Firstly, clean and dry the area that was affected and then take a little amount of ointment and apply it to the affected area three times a day. You can also cover the affected area with a bandage after applying the ointment cream. Don’t ever use it more or less than prescribed by your doctor or pharmacist. 

Always ensure that before applying the ointment cream wash the affected area skin and then gently apply a small amount of the ointment cream on the affected area. And make sure you don’t use this cream in your eyes.

If you want the most benefits then use this mupirocin ointment cream regularly even if you feel the symptoms are gone and you stopped using it. In this case, the symptoms can appear again, you have to use this medication regularly until your doctor tells you to stop.

What are the side effects of mupirocin ointment on humans?

Don’t use this medication without your doctor’s prescription, Doctors will suggest you this medication by judging the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. People that are using this medication have some serious side effects because this medication is only used in serious side effects. If you have any irritation, burning, or stinging, then firstly stop using it and talk to your doctor. 

After stopping the treatment or during the treatment you may have a special condition that is Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea due to the type of resistant bacteria then go and talk to your doctor first. If you develop diarrhea that doesn’t stop and you feel abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus in your stool. If you have any of these symptoms then don’t use anti-diarrhea or opioid medications they may make them worse.

If you have a new skin infection like fungus or yeast, it means you are using this medication for prolonged or repeated periods. First, stop using this medication and tell your doctor if your new skin infection like fungus or yeast is getting worse. These are not all side effects of this medication if you feel some serious side effects listed below then contact your doctor or pharmacist first:

Some Serious Side Effects of Mupirocin Ointment

  • Itching
  • Pain
  • Stinging
  • Burning
  • Rashing

If you in the United States and you are facing these serious side effects then you can contact directly to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or call at 1-888-463-6332

What are the precautions of Mupirocin Ointment

Some special precaution of Mupirocin Ointment you should have followed before taking Mupirocin:

  • If you have any medical history especially of kidney disease before using this medication tell this to your doctor pharmacist.
  • All the products you are using like prescription drugs,herbal products, and  nonprescription drugs then tell all this to your doctor or dentist before having the surgery.
  • If you want to use it during the pregnancy period, mupirocin ointment can be used only when needed. You discuss all risks, side effects, and benefits with your doctor.
  • If you are breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant then talk to your doctor first.

What can I do if I forget a dose?

In case you forgot to take the medicine and near the time of your next dose then we suggest you please skip that dose and take it at the next dose at the regular time. Don’t take the dose at irregular times. It makes your dose double and it would be harmful to you. 

What about the storage and disposal of this medication?

Store this medication at room temperature and keep them away from the light or excessive heat and moisture. And put them away from the reach of the pets and children, we suggest you put them in a tightly closed container in which they came.

You should have disposed of all the medications that are unneeded in a special way to ensure that children, pets, and other people can’t consume them. You can not flush them or don’t pour them into the drain. You can return them to the pharmacist or the best way is that you can take back the program for returning your medicines.

What other information should I know?

Mupirocin is created only for external uses only, don’t apply mupirocin to your eyes, nose, or mouth it could be harmful to these parts of the body. Ensure that you don’t apply dressings, bandages, cosmetics, lotions, or other skin medications to the affected area until your doctor will suggest.

It is very important to tell your pharmacist about all your prescriptions and non-prescriptions you were taking and make a list of them and carry the list all the time. It would help you in case of emergencies. When you meet or visit your doctor you should bring the list it’s important to you doctor.

And ensure that no one is taking your medicine or no one has them.


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