Medicine Highlights
| Uses | 1. Treats impetigo, a contagious infection causing red sores and crusts. 2. Heals infected cuts, wounds, or scrapes, preventing spread. 3. Treats folliculitis, an infection of hair follicles causing red bumps. 4. Treats boils (furunculosis) caused by bacterial infection. 5. To treat Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes skin infections. 6. Helps remove antibiotic-resistant bacteria from the nose to prevent hospital spread. |
| Common Side Effects | 1. Mild burning or stinging where the ointment/cream is applied 2. Itching, redness, or dryness of the skin 3. Rash at the application site |
| Additional Information | 1. Apply only to the affected area of the skin, not on broken or infected skin. 2. Wash your hands before and after applying the cream. 3. Do not cover the area with tight bandages unless the doctor says so. 4. Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, or private areas. |
| Storage | 1.The medicine should be stored at room temperature 2. Keep away from sunlight and moisture 3. Keep away from the reach of children |
| How to Take This Medicine | This medicine is meant to be used on the skin only. |
Mupirocin Uses
Mupirocin 2% is an antibiotic medicine used on the skin to fight bacterial infections. It is useful for the following indications:
- Impetigo, an infection that causes red sores and crusty patches.
- Infected wounds cuts, or scrapes, preventing the spread
- Folliculitis, an infection of hair follicles causing red bumps.
- Furunculosis or boils, caused by bacterial infection.
- Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes skin infections
- Remove antibiotic-resistant bacteria from the nose to prevent hospital spread.
Directions for use
- If you forget to take this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.
- Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the same time each day.
- Do not stop taking this medicine without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better.
Mupirocin side effects
More Common
- Mild burning or stinging where the ointment/cream is applied
- Itching, redness, or dryness of the skin
- Rash at the application site
Less Common
- Severe allergic reaction (swelling of face, lips, tongue, or difficulty breathing)
- Severe itching, blistering, or peeling of the skin
- Worsening of infection if used for too long
- General allergic reaction with dizziness or widespread rash eyes, itching, swelling)
How Mupirocin works
Mupirocin is an antibiotic that stops the bacteria on the skin from making the proteins they need to grow and survive. Without these proteins, the bacteria cannot multiply and eventually die. By killing the bacteria at the site of infection, Mupirocin helps the skin heal and prevents the infection from spreading.
Safety Measures and Warning
📌 Allergic Individuals
It can cause serious allergic reactions like rash, swelling, or breathing problems
📌 Open wounds
The medicine may get absorbed into the blood and increase the risk of side effects.
📌 Viral or fungal skin infections
Mupirocin only works against bacteria, not viruses (like herpes) or fungi (like ringworm).
Mupirocin Interaction with Other Medicines
Avoid taking Mupirocin with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases and it could be fatal:
Mupirocin Interaction with Food Product
Mupirocin cream is used on the skin, not taken by mouth, so it doesn’t have any food interactions. You can eat your normal diet while using it.
Storage
- Store the medicine at room temperature
- Keep away from sunlight and moisture
- Keep out of reach of children
Mupirocin Chemical Structure
IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name
9-[(E)-4-[(2S,3R,4R,5S)-3,4-dihydroxy-5-[[(2S,3S)-3-[(2S,3S)-3-hydroxybutan-2-yl]oxiran-2-yl]methyl]oxan-2-yl]-3-methylbut-2-enoyl]oxynonanoic acid
Intake routine/cycle
📌 Daily dose
Take Mupirocin exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
📌 Missed Dose
If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.
📌 Overdose
Do not apply more than the recommended amount of Mupirocin cream on your skin, as using too much can increase the risk of side effects like skin irritation, redness, burning, or rash. If severe reactions such as swelling, blistering, or difficulty breathing occur, stop using it and seek medical attention immediately.
Mupirocin Summary
Mupirocin 2% ointment is a topical antibiotic used to treat bacterial skin infections such as impetigo, infected cuts, minor burns, boils, folliculitis, and secondary infections from eczema, dermatitis, or insect bites. It works by stopping bacteria from making the proteins they need to grow, which kills the bacteria and helps the infection heal. Common side effects include mild burning, stinging, redness, itching, or dryness at the application site, while rare side effects may include severe allergic reactions, blistering, or worsening infection. Mupirocin should not be used by people allergic to it, on large open wounds or severe burns unless prescribed, or for viral/fungal infections. It can also be safely used in the nose under doctor guidance to remove bacteria like Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. There are no known food interactions, and it should be applied as a thin layer 2–3 times daily or as directed by a healthcare professional.
FAQ’s
1. What are the uses of mupirocin?
➡️ Mupirocin ointment is used to treat bacterial skin infections such as impetigo (red sores with yellow crusts), infected cuts or wounds, minor burns, boils, folliculitis (infected hair roots), and secondary infections from eczema, dermatitis, or insect bites.
2. Is Mupirocin ointment safe to use inside the nose?
➡️ Yes, doctors sometimes prescribe Mupirocin ointment inside the nose to treat or remove bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA – Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus) that live inside the nose and may cause infections.
3. What are the side effects of Mupirocin ointment?
➡️ Mupirocin ointment may cause mild burning, stinging, itching, redness, or dryness at the application site. Rarely, it can cause severe allergic reactions, blistering, swelling, or worsening of infection.
4. How should I use Mupirocin ointment?
➡️ Wash your hands first, clean and dry the affected area, then apply a small amount of Mupirocin ointment 2–3 times a day (or as prescribed by your doctor). Rub it gently and cover with a clean bandage if needed. Wash your hands again after applying.
5. How does Mupirocin ointment work?
➡️ Mupirocin ointment works by killing bacteria on the skin. It stops them from making the proteins they need to grow, helping the infection heal and preventing it from spreading.
Reference
- PubChem. Mupirocin [Internet]. Nih.gov. PubChem; 2025 [cited 2025 Sep 4]. Available from
- Mupirocin [Internet]. go.drugbank.com. Available from
- Mupirocin (Topical Route) Description and Brand Names – Mayo Clinic [Internet]. www.mayoclinic.org. Available from
- Erwin DZ, Chen P. Mupirocin [Internet]. PubMed. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024. Available from
