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Bactroban

Generic Name: mupirocin (myoo PEER oh sin NAY sul)

What is Bactroban?

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Bactroban is an antibiotic that treats or prevents infection that is caused by bacteria.

Bactroban is used to prevent severe staph infections in patients and healthcare workers who may be at risk of infection during an outbreak within a hospital or other healthcare setting.

Bactroban may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Bactroban?

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.

Bactroban is usually given for 5 days. To best protect you from infection, use this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Bactroban will not treat or prevent a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. Stop using Bactroban and call your doctor at once if you have severe burning or stinging of your nose or eyes.

Do not use other nasal medications at the same time you apply Bactroban.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking Bactroban?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to Bactroban. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs. FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Bactroban passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Bactroban?

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.

Bactroban nasal ointment is packaged in single-use tubes. Use one half of the medicine from the tube in your left nostril, and use the other half in your right nostril. After placing the ointment into your nostrils, press your nostrils closed and gently massage them to help spread the ointment inside your nose.

Bactroban is usually given for 5 days. To best protect you from infection, use this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Bactroban will not treat or prevent a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. Store Bactroban at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

An overdose of Bactroban is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.

What should I avoid while taking Bactroban?

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes. If this does happen, rinse with water.

Do not use other nasal medications at the same time you apply Bactroban.

What are the possible side effects of Bactroban?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using Bactroban and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
  • severe burning or stinging of your nose;

  • nosebleed; or

  • severe burning or watering of your eyes.

Continue using the medication and talk with your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:

  • dryness or unpleasant taste in your mouth;

  • headache;

  • ear pain;

  • runny or stuffy nose;

  • nausea;

  • skin rash;

  • cough; or

  • sore throat.

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.

What other drugs will affect Bactroban?

There may be other drugs that can affect Bactroban. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

  • Your pharmacist has more information about Bactroban written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Mupirocin nasal is available with a prescription under the brand name Bactroban. Other brand or generic forms may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

  • Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
  • Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum) is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
  • Click here for more information on Bactroban from the manufacturer.
Copyright 1996-2008 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 1.01. Revision Date: 8/21/06 3:15:22 PM.


More Bactroban resources:

PDR Bactroban

MedFacts Bactroban Cream

Micromedex Bactroban Topical - Includes detailed dosage instructions.

FDA Centany

FDA Bactroban Nasal Ointment

Bactroban Drug Interactions

Compare Bactroban with other medications for the treatment of:

Nasal Carriage of Staphylococcus aureus, Skin and Structure Infection

User Reviews:

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