Bactroban

Generic name: mupirocin topical
Drug class: Topical antibiotics

Medically reviewed by A Ras MD.

What is Bactroban?

Bactroban is a prescription medicine that is used to treat skin infections.

Description

BACTROBAN CREAM (mupirocin calcium cream, 2%) contains the dihydrate crystalline calcium hemi-salt of the antibiotic mupirocin. Chemically, it is (αE,2S,3R,4R,5S)-5-[(2S,3S,4S,5S)-2,3-Epoxy-5-hydroxy-4-methylhexyl]tetrahydro-3,4-dihydroxy-β-methyl-2H-pyran-2-crotonic acid, ester with 9-hydroxynonanoic acid, calcium salt (2:1), dihydrate.

The molecular formula of mupirocin calcium is (C26H43O9)2Ca•2H2O, and the molecular weight is 1075.3. The molecular weight of mupirocin free acid is 500.6. The structural formula of mupirocin calcium is:

BACTROBAN CREAM is a white cream that contains 2.15% w/w mupirocin calcium (equivalent to 2.0% mupirocin free acid) in an oil and water-based emulsion. The inactive ingredients are benzyl alcohol, cetomacrogol 1000, cetyl alcohol, mineral oil, phenoxyethanol, purified water, stearyl alcohol, and xanthan gum.

Before taking Bactroban, tell your doctor:

If you are allergic to Bactroban; any part of this medicine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
If a large area needs to be treated.
If your skin is damaged or has open wounds. Do not put on damaged skin or open wounds.

This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Bactroban with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Bactroban?

Tell all of your health care providers that you take Bactroban. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
Do not use longer than you have been told. A second infection may happen.
Talk with your doctor before you use other drugs or products on your skin.
Do not use Bactroban near an area where drugs are given into a vein. Talk with the doctor.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using Bactroban while you are pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.
If you are breast-feeding and use Bactroban on your breast or nipple, wash the area before breast-feeding your child.

How is Bactroban best taken?

Use Bactroban as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

Use as you have been told, even if your signs get better.
Do not take Bactroban by mouth. Use on your skin only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
If you get Bactroban in any of these areas, rinse well with water.
Wash your hands before and after use. Do not wash your hands after use if putting this on your hand.
Clean affected part before use. Make sure to dry well.
Use a gauze pad or a cotton swab to put a small amount on the affected skin.
The treated part may be covered with a dressing.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

Put on a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
Do not put on 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are the side effects of Bactroban that I need to call my doctor about immediately?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Irritation where Bactroban is used.
Very bad itching.
Dizziness.
A fast heartbeat.
A heartbeat that does not feel normal.
A severe form of diarrhea called C diff-associated diarrhea (CDAD) has happened with most antibiotics. Sometimes, this can be deadly. This may happen while using the antibiotic or within a few months after you stop using it. Call your doctor right away if you have stomach pain or cramps, very loose or watery stools, or bloody stools. Do not try to treat diarrhea without first checking with your doctor.

What are some other side effects of Bactroban?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

Burning.
Itching.
Stinging.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If overdose is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Bactroban?

Store at room temperature. Do not refrigerate or freeze.
Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Label

Principal Display Panel

BACTROBAN CREAM®
MUPIROCIN CALCIUM CREAM 2%
15 grams (Net Wt.)
Rx only
Store at or below 25oC (77oF). Do not freeze.
Each gram contains 21.5 mg mupirocin calcium in a mineral oil cream base.
Dosage: For dermatologic use only. Apply a small amount of cream to the affected area three times daily for 10 days. Patients not showing clinical response within 3 to 5 days should be re-evaluated.
See accompanying prescribing information.

SRC: NLM .

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