Description:

Mupirocin Ointment USP 2% w/w Vega is a topical antibiotic ointment containing mupirocin, used to treat bacterial skin infections caused by susceptible organisms, particularly gram-positive bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus (including some MRSA strains) and Streptococcus pyogenes. It is indicated for impetigo, folliculitis, furunculosis, infected wounds/cuts, and secondary bacterial infections of skin conditions (e.g., eczema). It works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, preventing bacterial growth and spread. In Ghana (Accra), Vega-branded mupirocin 2% ointment is a common, affordable generic (often 15g tube) available in pharmacies like Scab Pharmacy, Meldinpharma, Country Medical Pharmacy, and Trafalgar Gate Pharma for skin infection treatment.

Prescription:

Prescription-only in most regions, including Ghana (requires a doctor’s prescription for dispensing; available through pharmacies with Rx to confirm diagnosis and appropriate use, though sometimes sold OTC in practice for minor infections—consult pharmacist/doctor).

Therapeutic Category:

Topical Antibiotic / Antibacterial Agent (Pseudomonic acid class; for localized skin infections.

Active Ingredients/Composition:

• Active ingredient: Mupirocin USP 2% w/w (20 mg per gram). Other ingredients (excipients, typical for USP ointment base): Polyethylene glycol (PEG) 400 and PEG 3350 (water-miscible base; bland, non-greasy). May include minor stabilizers; no additional active agents. The ointment is white to off-white.

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant:

• Mupirocin Ointment USP 2% w/w Vega (standard 2% strength; commonly 15g tube in Ghana). Related variants: Mupirocin 2% cream (different base, for secondarily infected lesions), nasal ointment (for MRSA decolonization), or other generics (e.g., Recare Mupirocin, Bactroban generics). Vega is the branded generic line, with 15g as common size.

Consume Type:

Topical – Ointment (applied externally to skin; not for oral, ophthalmic, or internal use; rub gently into affected area).

Directions/Usage:

Clean and dry affected area before application. Apply a small amount (thin film) to the infected skin 3 times daily (morning, afternoon, evening).

• Cover with sterile dressing if needed (e.g., for impetigo).
• Duration: Typically 7–10 days (or as prescribed; complete full course even if symptoms improve).
• For impetigo: Apply 3 times/day for up to 10 days.
• Wash hands before/after use. Do not use on large areas, open wounds, or burns without doctor advice. Consult for children/infants.

Common Side Effects:

Generally well-tolerated; mild/local:

• Burning, stinging, itching, or pain at application site.
• Redness, rash, or dryness.
• Nausea (rare, from taste if near mouth). Rare/serious (seek help): Severe irritation, allergic reactions (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing), or signs of worsening infection (increased redness, pus, fever).

Package Type:

Aluminum or plastic tube of 15g ointment (common in Ghana; screw cap; often in carton with leaflet). Some markets have 30g, but Vega listings show 15g.

Storage Advice:

Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat, and freezing. Keep tightly closed and out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• For external use only; avoid eyes, mouth, mucous membranes, or inside nose unless prescribed (nasal version exists separately).
• Contraindicated if allergic to mupirocin or polyethylene glycol base.
• Caution in large-area application (systemic absorption rare but possible), pregnancy/breastfeeding (generally safe but consult), or children (use under guidance).
• Do not use longer than prescribed (risk of resistance or irritation).
• If no improvement after 3–5 days, worsening, or new symptoms, seek medical review.
• Keep out of reach of children (accidental ingestion low risk but seek help).

Product Substitutes:

Similar mupirocin 2% ointments in Ghana include:

• Recare Mupirocin Ointment (common at Scab Pharmacy).
• Generic Mupirocin 2% (various importers).
• Bactroban (original brand by GSK, higher price if available). Alternatives (for bacterial skin infections): Fusidic acid cream (Fucidin), neomycin/bacitracin combinations, or oral antibiotics if severe (consult doctor).

Manufacturer/Marketer: #

Vega (Vega Pharma or associated generic producer; Vega is a branded generic line common in Ghana for antibiotics/topicals). Marketed/distributed by local importers/pharmacies (e.g., Scab Pharmacy Limited, Meldinpharma, Country Medical Pharmacy, Trafalgar Gate Pharma in Accra).

Country of Origin:

India (primary source for Vega-branded generic mupirocin ointment USP 2% imported to Ghana; USP/BP-compliant and widely available locally).