Pronunciation: mue-PIR-oh-sin
Generic Name: MupirocinBrand Name: Bactroban
Bactroban Ointment is used for:
Treating impetigo, a type of skin infection. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Bactroban Ointment is an antibacterial. It kills sensitive bacteria by stopping the production of essential proteins needed by the bacteria to survive.
Do NOT use Bactroban Ointment if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Bactroban Ointment
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Bactroban Ointment:
Some medical conditions may interact with Bactroban Ointment. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you are treating a burn or open wound
- if you have kidney problems
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Bactroban Ointment. However, no specific interactions with Bactroban Ointment are known at this time.
Ask your health care provider if Bactroban Ointment may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Bactroban Ointment:
Use Bactroban Ointment as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Apply a small amount of Bactroban Ointment 3 times a day.
- Wash and completely dry the affected area. Gently rub the medicine in until it is evenly distributed.
- The affected area may be covered with gauze or a bandage.
- To clear up your infection completely, use Bactroban Ointment for the full course of treatment. Keep using it even if you feel better in a few days.
- Wash your hands immediately after using Bactroban Ointment.
- If you miss a dose of Bactroban Ointment, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Bactroban Ointment.
Important safety information:
- Bactroban Ointment is for external use only. Do not get it in your eyes or mouth. Avoid getting Bactroban Ointment inside your nose, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. If you get Bactroban Ointment in your eyes, rinse at once with cool tap water.
- Use Bactroban Ointment with caution on skin with open wounds.
- If your symptoms do not get better within 3 to 5 days or if they get worse, check with your doctor.
- Be sure to use Bactroban Ointment for the full course of treatment. If you do not, the medicine may not clear up your infection completely. The bacteria could also become less sensitive to this or other medicines. This could make the infection harder to treat in the future.
- Long-term or repeated use of Bactroban Ointment may cause a second infection. Tell your doctor if signs of a second infection occur. Your medicine may need to be changed to treat this.
- Bactroban Ointment should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 2 months old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Bactroban Ointment while you are pregnant. It is not known if Bactroban Ointment is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Bactroban Ointment, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of Bactroban Ointment:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Burning; pain; stinging.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); severe irritation; severe itching.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Bactroban side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately.
Proper storage of Bactroban Ointment:Store Bactroban Ointment at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Bactroban Ointment out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Bactroban Ointment, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Bactroban Ointment is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Bactroban Ointment. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Issue Date: February 1, 2012
Database Edition 12.1.1.002
Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.
More Bactroban resources
- Bactroban Side Effects (in more detail)
- Bactroban Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Bactroban Support Group
- 11 Reviews for Bactroban - Add your own review/rating
Compare Bactroban with other medications
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