Bactroban Nasal (Mupirocin Calcium Ointment) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 16, 2012

Bactroban Nasal

Impetigo »

What is impetigo? What causes impetigo?

Impetigo (pronounced im-puh-TIE-go) is a contagious, superficial infection of the skin caused by staphylococcus (Staph) and streptococcus (Strep) bacteria. Impetigo is more common in children (especially 2- to 5-year-olds) than in adults. Impetigo is most likely to occur in warm and humid environments and is most commonly spread by close contact (such as family members).

What are the types of impetigo, and what are impetigo symptoms and signs? What does impetigo look like?

There are two kinds of impetigo:

Non-bullous impetigo: This is the common form, caused by both Staph and Strep bacteria. This form initially presents as small red papules similar to insect bites. These lesions rapidly evolve to small blisters and then to pustules that finally scab over with a characteristic honey-colored crust. This entire process takes about one week. These lesions often st...

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Bactroban Nasal

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BACTROBAN NASAL®
(mupirocin calcium) Ointment, 2%

for intranasal use only

DRUG DESCRIPTION

BACTROBAN NASAL (mupirocin calcium ointment, 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 NASAL®
(mupirocin calcium ointment, 2%) Structural Formula Illustration

BACTROBAN NASAL (mupirocin calcium ointment) is a white to off-white ointment that contains 2.15% w/w mupirocin calcium (equivalent to 2.0% pure mupirocin free acid) in a soft white ointment base. The inactive ingredients are paraffin and a mixture of glycerin esters (SOFTISAN® 649).

What are the possible side effects of mupirocin nasal (Bactroban)?

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;

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Bactroban Nasal »

What are the precautions when taking mupirocin calcium ointment (Bactroban Nasal)?

Before taking mupirocin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history.

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before...

Read All Potential Precautions of Bactroban Nasal »

Last reviewed on RxList: 12/9/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.