Mupirocin (Into the nose)
mue-PIR-oh-sin
Treats or prevents certain bacterial infections in your nose. This medicine is an antibiotic.
Drug classes
Antibiotic (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Mupirocin nasal ointment is used to treat or prevent infections in the nose due to certain strains of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. This medicine works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Ointment
Use your medicine as directed.
This medicine is for use only in the nose. Do not get any of it in your eyes or on your skin. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.
Missed dose: Apply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not refrigerate.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how mupirocin nasal ointment works. Tell your doctor if you are using any other medicine in your nose, such as drops, sprays, gels, or other ointments.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to mupirocin.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease.
This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Severe diarrhea that may be bloody, stomach cramps or pain
Severe irritation in your nose
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Burning or itching in your nose
Mild diarrhea
Stuffy or runny nose
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Bactroban
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
