What is Mupirocin Topical?

Mupirocin Topical

Mupirocin is an antibiotic. Mupirocin topical prevents bacteria from growing on your skin.
Mupirocin topical is used to treat infections of the skin such as impetigo.
Mupirocin topical may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Mupirocin Nasal

Mupirocin is an antibiotic that treats or prevents infection caused by bacteria.
Mupirocin nasal (for the nose) is used to prevent severe staph infections in patients and healthcare workers who may be at risk of infection during an outbreak within a hospital or other healthcare setting.
Mupirocin nasal may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Mupirocin Topical?

Mupirocin Topical

Use this medication for the full amount of time prescribed by your doctor or as recommended in the package even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely healed.
Avoid your eyes, nose, mouth, and lips when applying mupirocin topical. If medication gets in any of these areas, wash with water.
Watch for signs of improvement in 3 to 5 days. If your condition gets worse or does not improve, see your doctor.

Mupirocin Nasal

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.
Mupirocin nasal is usually given for 5 days. To best protect you from infection, use this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Mupirocin nasal will not treat or prevent a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
Stop using mupirocin nasal and call your doctor at once if you have severe burning or stinging of your nose or eyes.
Do not use other nasal medications at the same time you apply mupirocin nasal.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Mupirocin Topical?

Mupirocin Topical

Do not use mupirocin topical if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it.
You may not be able to use mupirocin topical if you have a very large open wound. This medication contains polyethylene glycol, which may cause damage to your kidneys if too much drug is absorbed through your skin.
Mupirocin topical is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not use mupirocin topical without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
Mupirocin topical passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not use mupirocin topical without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Mupirocin Nasal

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to mupirocin.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether mupirocin nasal passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Mupirocin nasal should not be used in a child younger than 12 years old.

Mupirocin Topical Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Mupirocin Topical?

Mupirocin Topical

Serious side effects are not expected to occur with mupirocin topical therapy. Stop using mupirocin topical and see your doctor if you experience unusual blistering, itching, redness, peeling, dryness, or irritation of the skin.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Mupirocin Nasal

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using mupirocin nasal and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• severe burning or stinging of your nose
• nosebleed; or
• severe burning or watering of your eyes

Less serious side effects may include:

• dryness or unpleasant taste in your mouth
• headache
• ear pain
• runny or stuffy nose
• nausea, diarrhea
• itching, mild skin rash
• cough; or
• sore throat

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Mupirocin Topical Interactions

What other drugs affect Mupirocin Topical?

Mupirocin Topical

Other topical medications may change the way that your skin absorbs mupirocin topical. Avoid using other products on the same area at the same time unless directed to do so by your doctor.

Mupirocin Nasal

There may be other drugs that can interact with mupirocin nasal. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Mupirocin Topical?

Mupirocin Topical

Avoid using other topical preparations on the same area at the same time unless directed to do so by your doctor.

Mupirocin Nasal

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes. If this does happen, rinse with water.
Do not use other nasal medications at the same time you apply mupirocin nasal.

Mupirocin Topical Dosage

How should I take Mupirocin Topical?

Mupirocin Topical

Use mupirocin topical exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Wash your hands before and after using this medication.
Clean and dry the affected area. Apply a small amount of the ointment as directed.
Use this medication for the full amount of time prescribed by your doctor or as recommended in the package even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely healed.
You should notice improvement in 3 to 5 days. If the infection gets worse or does not improve, consult your doctor.
Do not use bandages that do not allow air circulation over the affected area unless otherwise directed by your doctor. A light, cotton-gauze dressing may be used to protect clothing.
Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth or in large, open wounds.
Store mupirocin topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Mupirocin Nasal

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.
Mupirocin nasal ointment is packaged in single-use tubes. Use one half of the medicine from the tube in your left nostril, and use the other half in your right nostril. After placing the ointment into your nostrils, gently press your nostrils closed and then release them, repeating for about 1 minute to help spread the ointment inside your nose.
Throw the ointment tube away after one use, even if there is still some ointment left in it.
Mupirocin nasal is usually given for 5 days. To best protect you from infection, use this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Mupirocin nasal will not treat or prevent a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
Store mupirocin nasal at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not refrigerate.

What happens if I overdose on Mupirocin Topical?

Mupirocin Topical

An overdose of mupirocin topical is rare. Consult a doctor if you suspect an overdose. No symptoms of an overdose are known.
If mupirocin topical gets in your eyes or mouth, rinse with water.
If mupirocin topical is ingested, consult a poison control center.

Mupirocin Nasal

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
An overdose of mupirocin nasal is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.

What happens if I miss a dose of Mupirocin Topical?

Mupirocin Topical

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and apply only the regular amount of mupirocin topical. Do not use a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Mupirocin Nasal

Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Edited from everydayhealth.com