Pronunciation: myoo PEER oh sin
Brand names: Centany, Bactroban
Dosage form: ointment (2%), nasal ointment (2%)
Drug class: Topical antibiotics

Medically reviewed by Melisa Puckey, BPharm. Last updated on Aug 26, 2024.

What is mupirocin ointment?

Mupirocin ointment is an antibiotic ointment used to treat bacterial skin infections, such as impetigo  (IM-pe-TYE-go). Mupirocin ointment clears skin infections by killing the bacteria that cause them, including “Staph" bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) or “Strep” bacteria (Streptococcus pyogenes). It kills the bacteria by stopping the bacteria from being able to make protein. 

Bactroban brand of mupirocin by GSK was the first brand FDA approved in 1987, then Centany brand became available in 2002, and now there are also generic brands of mupirocin available. This ointment is available on prescription, and it is not an over-the-counter medicine.

Mupirocin ointment uses

Mupirocin ointment is used for bacterial skin infections such as impetigo and wounds that have become infected and is also used to treat nasal colonization with particular antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Mupirocin ointment (topical) is FDA-approved for the topical treatment of impetigo due to the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. 

Bactroban nasal ointment is FDA-approved for the eradication of nasal colonization with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in adult and pediatric patients (aged 12 years and older) and healthcare workers as part of a comprehensive infection control program to reduce the risk of infection among patients at high risk of MRSA infection during institutional outbreaks of infections with this microorganism.

When mupirocin ointment is used for wounds that have become infected, it is an off-label use.

Mupirocin side effects

Common mupirocin ointment side effects may include burning, stinging, painful or itchy skin, contact dermatitis, painful, draining hair follicles, severe inflammation of the skin (exfoliative dermatitis), and rash. These side effects occurred in 0.3% or more of patients.

Serious mupirocin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, dizziness, fast or pounding heartbeats, wheezing, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using mupirocin ointment and call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
• severe itching, rash, or other irritation of treated skin;
• unusual skin blistering or peeling; or
• any signs of a new skin infection.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

amoxicillin, doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, cephalexin, azithromycin, metronidazole, nystatin topical

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use mupirocin ointment if you are allergic to the active ingredient mupirocin, or any of the inactive ingredients

To make sure mupirocin topical is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney disease.

Do not use mupirocin on a child without medical advice. 

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether mupirocin topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. If you apply this medicine to your breast or nipple, wash the areas thoroughly before nursing your baby.

How should I use mupirocin ointment?

Mupirocin Ointment Instructions

Clean and dry the affected skin area. Apply a small amount of mupirocin topical to it with a cotton swab or gauze pad as directed.

Mupirocin ointment l is usually applied 3 times per day for 10 days. Use only a small amount of the medicine. 

You may use a sterile gauze pad to cover the treated skin. Do not cover treated areas with a bandage, plastic wrap, or other covering that does not allow air to circulate.

Do not spread mupirocin topical over large areas of skin.

Wash your hands before and after applying mupirocin topical.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin. If this medicine gets in your eyes, nose, or mouth, rinse with water.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve within 3 to 5 days, or if your skin condition gets worse.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics.

Bactroban Nasal Ointment was designed to be used in the nostrils to eradicate nasal colonization with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in adult and pediatric patients. Bactroban Nasal Ointment  maybe be applied into the nostrils.

Mupirocin ointment dosing information

Usual mupirocin dose for impetigo due to bacterial infections of Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. 

Dose: Apply a small amount to the affected area 3 times a day as directed by the prescriber. The area may be covered with a gauze dressing if desired. If infection is not showing clinical improvement within 3 to 5 days, the skin infection should be re-evaluated.

Usual Adult Dose for Nasal Carriage of Staphylococcus aureus (12 years and older):

Bactroban Nasal ointment Dose: Apply about one-half of the tube contents into 1 nostril and the other half into the other nostril twice a day (morning and evening). After application, close the nostrils by pressing together and releasing the sides of the nose repetitively for approximately 1 minute to spread the ointment throughout the nares. Duration of therapy is 5 days.

Use: For the eradication of nasal colonization with methicillin-resistant S aureus (MRSA) in patients and healthcare workers as part of a comprehensive infection control program to reduce risk of MRSA infection among high-risk patients during institutional outbreaks of MRSA infections.

Usual mupirocin dose for  Secondary Cutaneous Bacterial Infections due to susceptible strains of S aureus and S pyogenes (off-label use):

Dose: Apply a small amount to the affected area 3 times a day as directed by the prescriber. The area may be covered with a gauze dressing if desired. If infection is not showing clinical improvement within 3 to 5 days the skin infection should be re-evaluated.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of mupirocin ointment is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

What should I avoid while using this medicine?

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Avoid getting mupirocin topical ointment in your eyes, mouth, or nose. A separate product called mupirocin nasal is made for use in the nose. Mupirocin topical is for use only on the skin.

Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with mupirocin topical unless your doctor tells you to.

What other drugs will affect mupirocin ointment?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied mupirocin. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with mupirocin topical unless your doctor tells you to.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the medicine tube tightly closed when not in use.

Frequently asked questions

• Can I use mupirocin ointment for diaper rash?
• Can mupirocin heal or help with eczema?
• Can mupirocin be used for athletes foot?
• Can mupirocin cream be used for bed sores?

View more FAQ

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer