Mupirocin

About Mupirocin

Mupirocin stops bacteria from making proteins by blocking an enzyme they need. The ointment is approved for impetigo caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes; the cream, made with mupirocin calcium, for infected cuts, scrapes and other skin wounds up to 10 cm long or 100 square cm in area caused by the same bacteria. Both are applied three times a day for up to 10 days, with a re-check if there is no improvement within 3 to 5 days.

Burning, stinging, pain and itching are the usual side effects of the ointment; headache, rash and nausea were reported with the cream. Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis and facial or throat swelling, have been reported. As with other antibiotics, C. difficile diarrhea can occur, even two months or more later, and long use can let fungi and other resistant organisms overgrow.

Neither form is for the eyes or the inside of the nose, and the ointment is not used at IV line sites. Its polyethylene glycol base can be absorbed through open wounds, so the label advises against it where large amounts could be absorbed, especially with moderate or severe kidney impairment. The ointment is labeled from 2 months of age, the cream from 3 months. Bactroban Nasal, a separate nasal formulation for MRSA, has been discontinued.

Taking Mupirocin

How to take it

Wash the affected skin, then apply a small amount three times a day with a cotton swab or gauze pad, washing your hands before and after. The area can be covered with gauze. Use it for as long as prescribed, up to 10 days, and do not apply other creams, lotions or ointments to the same area.

If you miss a dose

Apply it when you remember, unless the next application is almost due; then skip the missed one and carry on as usual.

Storage

At room temperature, tightly closed and out of reach of children. Do not freeze the cream.

Interactions to know about

No drug interactions are listed. If it gets in an eye, rinse well with water. Stop and call the prescriber for severe itching, irritation or a rash, and get emergency help for swelling of the lips, face or tongue or wheezing. Report watery or bloody diarrhea, even weeks later.

This summarizes the official prescribing information. Your prescriber’s and pharmacist’s instructions, and the leaflet that comes with your medicine, take priority.

Why the cash price for Mupirocin differs from pharmacy to pharmacy

Both forms are generics from several makers, so most of the difference between quotes is the pharmacy’s mark-up and dispensing fee. They are separate products, priced separately, and one cannot be filled for the other without the prescriber. Tube sizes differ by maker, so the quote depends on the size the pharmacy stocks. Kits that bundle the ointment with other products are separate products with their own prices.

Ways to pay less for Mupirocin without insurance

• Ask the prescriber how much the course needs; up to 10 days on a limited area may need only a small tube.
• If a kit was prescribed, ask whether a plain tube of generic mupirocin is all you need.
• If one form is out of stock or quoted high, ask the prescriber whether the other would suit your infection.
• Upload the prescription to Script Unlock so licensed pharmacies can quote their cash price. You pay the pharmacy directly.

Questions to ask your pharmacist about Mupirocin

1. 1.What should I do if the skin is not better in 3 to 5 days?
2. 2.Can I use other creams on the same area?
3. 3.Is it suitable for my child’s age?
4. 4.Can it go in my nose, or is that a different product?

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