Drug Notes

Mupirocin (Into the nose)

Mupirocin (mue-PIR-oh-sin)

Treats or prevents certain bacterial infections in your nose. This medicine is an antibiotic.

Brand Name(s):

Bactroban

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Ointment

• Use your medicine as directed.
• This medicine is for use only in the nose. Do not get any of it in your eyes or on your skin. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.
• Missed dose: Apply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not refrigerate.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how mupirocin nasal ointment works. Tell your doctor if you are using any other medicine in your nose, such as drops, sprays, gels, or other ointments.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease.
• This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Severe diarrhea that may be bloody, stomach cramps or pain
• Severe irritation in your nose

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Burning or itching in your nose
• Headache
• Mild diarrhea
• Stuffy or runny nose

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017