Mupirocin (Mupiderm®) is an antibiotic used as an ointment to treat certain bacterial infections. Instructions from a pharmacist for using it safely.
Often prescribed in the form of an ointment, mupirocin is a reference local antibiotic used to treat bacterial skin infections. Whether to treat impetigo, infected skin lesions or to eliminate certain resistant bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, this medication plays a key role in cleaning the skin. How does it work? Can we get it without a prescription? What side effects and risks? Response from a pharmacist.
What is mupirocin?
Mupirocin is a naturally occurring antibiotic produced by the bacteria Pseudomonas fluorescens. It comes in the form of an ointment with a bactericidal property (kills bacteria). It acts on Staphylococcus aureus (Staphylococcus aureus) and beta-hemolytic streptococci.
Indications: what is mupirocin used for?
Mupirocin ointment is frequently used to treat skin infections caused by staphylococcus or streptococcus such as impetigo or impetiginized skin disease. The application of the antibiotic to the lesions must be combined with careful washing with soapy water. On the other hand, the use of local antiseptics is not recommended. If the bacterial infection is extensive, an oral antibiotic will be administered in addition to the ointment. An extensive skin infection is characterized by a group of more than 6 identifiable lesions or skin involvement greater than 2% of the total body surface, the equivalent of two palms of a hand. In this indication, mupirocin is the only recommended local antibiotic. It replaces fusidic acid (Fucidin® cream or ointment) which is no longer recommended due to too many cases of bacterial resistance. Only intolerance and a contraindication to mupirocin justify the use of fusidic acid. Mupirocin in the form of nasal ointment has two less frequently encountered indications:
- decontamination of nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus in the event of recurrent skin infections
- prevention of Staphylococcus aureus autoinfections in patients undergoing hemodialysis
What is the trade name for mupirocin?
There are two commercial specialties based on mupirocin:
- Mupiderm® skin ointment 2%
- Bactroban® nasal ointment 2%
Several generics of Mupiderm® are also available.
Is mupirocin available without a prescription?
This local antibiotic is only available upon presentation of a medical prescription.
What are the side effects of mupirocin?
Mupirocin can cause hives, rash, itching, stinging, burning, or even a serious allergic reaction. These side effects rarely occur. In the event of a local reaction, the patient should immediately interrupt treatment and consult a doctor as soon as possible.
What are the contraindications of mupirocin?
Mupirocin is contraindicated in case of allergy to any component of the medication. Also, it should not be administered ophthalmically. The ointment should not be mixed with other products as this risks being diluted and reducing its activity against bacteria. This molecule is not contraindicated during pregnancy. More specifically, the drug Mupiderm® should not be applied to the breasts of a breastfeeding woman in the event of breast infections. In addition, its administration by the intranasal route is formally prohibited. It is intended exclusively for application to the skin. Due to the risk of bacterial resistance, this ointment should not be used long-term and in cases of extensive dermatoses (affecting more than 20% of the body surface). If in doubt or if the lesions do not heal after 5 days of treatment, consult a doctor.
