Brand Name

Bactroban {GlaxoSmithKline}

Generic Name

mupirocin (topical), pronounced myoo PEER oh sin

What is Bactroban?

Bactroban is a topical antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections on your skin, such as impetigo.

Bactroban may also be used for reasons not stated in this medication guide.

Key Facts About Bactroban

Bactroban contains mupirocin, which is an antibiotic that treats skin infections.

If your symptoms do not get any better within the first three to five days of treatment, or if they get worse after starting Bactroban contact your doctor right away.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Bactroban is in FDA pregnancy category B. Bactroban is not known to cause problems in your newborn. Consult with your doctor if you become pregnant while taking Bactroban. You should not breast-feed while taking Bactroban, as we know that Bactroban can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby.

Before You Take Bactroban

If you are allergic to mupirocin you should not use Bactroban.

If you have a large, open wound you may not be able to use Bactroban. This medication contains polyethylene glycol, and if too much of this chemical gets absorbed through your skin your kidneys may become damaged. Talk to your doctor if you have a sizable or open wound before starting treatment with Bactroban.

Bactroban Drug Interactions

You should inform your doctor if you are taking any other topical drug treatments, as they may affect your use of Bactroban.

Other drugs you take that are not listed may interact with Bactroban. You should tell your doctor about all of the medications you use. This includes prescription drugs, vitamins, supplements and herbal products, and over the counter medications. You should not begin taking a new medication without telling your doctor first.

Directions for Taking Bactroban

You should use Bactroban exactly as directed by your doctor. It is important that you do not use Bactroban in larger or smaller amounts, or for longer or shorter than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label and follow any dose changes carefully if your doctor instructs you to change your dose.

While you are using Bactroban take care to keep the affected area clean and dry. Apply the prescribed amount of the Bactroban cream with clean hands.

Do not use bandages that restrict air circulation over the affected area unless your doctor has told you to do so. A light cotton gauze dressing may be used to protect your clothing, and wearing loose clothing may help to prevent irritation.

Take care not to get Bactroban in your eyes, mouth or nose.

Bactroban needs to be stored at room temperature, and away from light, moisture and heat.

If you miss a dose of Bactroban you should attempt to take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not apply extra Bactroban to make up for a missed dose.

Bactroban Side Effects

If you experience any of the following adverse effects you should stop taking Bactroban and seek emergency medical help immediately:

• allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, hives, or swelling of your face, lips, throat or tongue
• blistering with itching, peeling and redness

It should be noted that this is not a complete list of possible side effects of Bactroban. You should contact your physician for a complete list and medical advice regarding these effects.

Bactroban Description and Dosing

Bactroban is available as a cream in a 15 g tube or a 30 g tube.

You should consult your doctor for specific dosing pertaining to you. Do not attempt to alter or change your dose without your physician’s consent.

If you suspect that you have overdosed with Bactroban you should seek emergency help immediately.

Ingredients in Bactroban

Bactroban is comprised of the main ingredient mupirocin. Other inactive ingredients include benzyl alcohol, cetomacrogol 1000, cetyl alcohol, mineral oil, phenoxyethanol, purified water, stearyl alcohol, and xanthan gum.

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The information contained in this drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.

The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.

The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.

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