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Mupirocin
INFORMATION ABOUT MUPIROCIN
Mupirocin Uses
Mupirocin is used in the treatment of bacterial infections.
How Mupirocin works
Mupirocin is an antibiotic. It kills the bacteria that cause skin infections by preventing the synthesis of essential proteins necessary for the survival of bacteria. Thus, it prevents the skin infection from spreading.
Common side effects of Mupirocin
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common
Itching, Burning sensation, Stinging sensation, Pain
CONTENT DETAILS
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Written By
Dr. Anuj Saini
MMST, MBBS
Reviewed By
Dr. Rajeev Sharma
MBA, MBBS
Last updated
13 Jun 2023 | 11:29 AM (UTC)
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Medicine brands for Mupirocin
Expert advice for Mupirocin
- Mupirocin is used to treat bacterial skin infections such as impetigo.
- Clean and dry the affected area and apply the medicine at least 3 times a day. A dressing can be applied over the treated area if needed.
- Avoid getting it in the eyes, mouth or nose. Rinse with cold water if you accidentally get it in these areas.
- It can cause slight irritation at the application site. Let your doctor know if the irritation does not go away.
- Do not use for more than 10 days. Throw away any cream that is left over.
- If your skin condition does not improve within 3 to 5 days, see your doctor.
Frequently asked questions for Mupirocin
Mupirocin is an antibacterial medicine and will only help if the diaper rash is due to bacterial infection.
Use Mupirocin for the duration advised by your doctor. The bacteria are normally cleared from your skin within 10 days of starting the treatment. It is not recommended to use this medicine for more than 10 days. If your skin condition does not improve within 3-5 days, see your doctor.
Follow the directions given by your doctor carefully. Wash your hands before applying Mupirocin. Apply the ointment to the infected area of skin 2-3 times daily or as told by your doctor. You can cover the treated area with a dressing or leave it open as per your doctor’s advice.
Consult your doctor before using Mupirocin on any type of wound. Avoid using Mupirocin for large open wounds if you have a kidney problem as this may further damage your kidneys.
Inform your doctor if your symptoms are getting worse while using this medicine. If you do not feel better after finishing the full course of treatment, consult your doctor.
Burning sensation is a common side effect of applying Mupirocin. However, stinging is uncommon. These side effects do not last long and will disappear after sometime. Do not stop using Mupirocin because of these mild side effects. If you have any concerns consult your doctor.
Mupirocin should not be used to treat infections in or near the eyes, nostrils or mouth. If this medicine accidentally enters your eyes, wash the eyes thoroughly with water. In case you have tubes inserted in your body for the administration or removal of fluid (cannula), do not use this medicine to treat the skin near that area. Additionally, do not use it in combination with a cannula.
Wash off the ointment immediately if you faint, get a raised and itchy rash, cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty breathing and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat or other parts of the body. These may be signs of a severe allergic reaction. You should immediately stop using Mupirocin and consult your doctor. Though unlikely, but if you get abdominal cramps and diarrhea, you should stop using Mupirocin immediately and consult your doctor.