Description

Mupirocin ointment (2% w/w) is a topical antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial skin infections. It acts by killing or stopping growth of bacteria on the skin. Commonly used for impetigo, infected cuts, boils, folliculitis, and similar skin infections.

Prescription

• Over the Counter

Therapeutic Category

• Topical antibiotic (dermatological)

Active Ingredients / Composition

• Mupirocin, 2% w/w, meaning 20 mg per gram of ointment.

• The rest is ointment base/excipients (e.g. petrolatum base, or a water‑soluble ointment base depending on brand) q.s. to 100%.

Variant

• Usually comes in 2% ointment form.

• Sometimes also available in cream formulation.

• Tube sizes vary; 15 g is common for many brands and regions.

Consume Type

• Topical use only (external application to skin). Not to be ingested.

Directions / Usage

• Clean and dry the affected skin area.

• Apply a thin layer of the ointment to the affected area, usually twice to three times daily.

• Treatment duration generally up to 10 days, depending on the location and severity. If no improvement after 3‑5 days, consult a healthcare provider.

• Cover with a sterile dressing only if advised.

 Common Side Effects

• Local reactions at application site: burning, stinging, itching, pain, redness, irritation.

• Dry or flaky skin, sometimes exudate (oozing) if infection severe.

• Rare allergic reactions: rash, swelling, hives, possibly affecting face/lips etc.

Package Type

• Typically in a tube (metal or plastic) containing 15 g of ointment.

• The tube often sealed and labelled with strength, lot number, expiry etc.

Storage Advice

• Store at room temperature, usually around 20‑25 °C (some sources allow up to ~30 °C).

• Keep in a cool, dry place, out of direct heat or sunlight.

• Keep the tube tightly closed when not in use.

• Keep out of reach of children.

Safety Advice

• Only use on skin; avoid putting it in your eyes, mouth, nose, or near mucous membranes, unless there’s a specific nasal formulation.

• Do not use if you are allergic to mupirocin or any of the excipients.

• Use only for the prescribed duration; avoid prolonged or unnecessary use to reduce risk of resistance.

• If symptoms worsen or no improvement after a few days, see healthcare provider.

• Be aware of possibility (though low) of secondary infection or colonization by resistant organisms.

• If pregnant or breastfeeding, consult doctor before use. Systemic absorption is minimal, but precaution advised.

 Product Substitutes

Substitute products would be other brands or generics of mupirocin 2% ointment. Examples include but are not limited to:

• Bactroban (brand)

• Other generic brands approved locally depending on country.

• Alternative topical antibiotics if mupirocin not tolerated or effective, such as fusidic acid in some settings (depends on local antibiotic resistance and availability).

Manufacturer / Marketer

• Luex Health Care

Country of Origin

• UK