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

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February 7, 2012

Bactroban Ointment

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...

Read the Impetigo article »

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Bactroban Ointment User Reviews >>

Bactroban Ointment

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BACTROBAN OINTMENT®
(mupirocin) Ointment, 2%
For Dermatologic Use

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Each gram of Bactroban Ointment (mupirocin ointment), 2% contains 20 mg mupirocin in a bland water miscible ointment base (polyethylene glycol ointment, N.F.) consisting of polyethylene glycol 400 and polyethylene glycol 3350. Mupirocin is a naturally occurring antibiotic. The chemical name is (E)-(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. The molecular formula of mupirocin is C₂₆H₄₄O₉ and the molecular weight is 500.63. The chemical structure is:

Bactroban Ointment (mupirocin ointment) structural formula illustration

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

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...

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What are the precautions when taking mupirocin (Bactroban Ointment)?

Before using 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 (such as polyethylene glycol found in some brands), 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, especially of: kidney disease (if you are using a brand of mupirocin that contains polyethylene glycol).

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...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 10/4/2010
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.