Bactroban contains mupirocin, an antibiotic. Mupirocin prevents bacteria from growing on your skin.
Bactroban is used to treat infections of the skin such as impetigo.
Bactroban may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Important information
Use Bactroban 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 Bactroban. 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.
Who should not use Bactroban?
Do not use Bactroban if you have ever had an allergic reaction to mupirocin.
You may not be able to use Bactroban 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.
Bactroban is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not use Bactroban without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Mupirocin passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not use this medicine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I use Bactroban?
Use Bactroban 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 Bactroban.
Clean and dry the affected area. Apply a small amount of the ointment as directed.
Use Bactroban 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 Bactroban in your eyes, nose, or mouth or in large, open wounds.
Store this medicine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
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. Do not use a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
An overdose of Bactroban is rare. Consult a doctor if you suspect an overdose. No symptoms of an overdose are known.
If Bactroban gets in your eyes or mouth, rinse with water.
If this medication is ingested, seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid?
Avoid using other topical preparations on the same area at the same time unless directed to do so by your doctor.
Bactroban side effects
Serious side effects are not expected to occur with Bactroban therapy. Stop using this medicine 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.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Bactroban?
Other topical medications may change the way that your skin absorbs Bactroban. Avoid using other products on the same area at the same time unless directed to do so by your doctor.
