Mupirocin

BACTROBAN

Open Mupirocin in the interactive console ↗

Pronunciation: myoo-PEER-oe-sin (BAK-troe-ban)

Mupirocin ballicule: receptor binding, kinetics and half-life diagram — Mechanism of action: Mupirocin ballicule

Mupirocin BACTROBAN mascot mnemonic cartoon — Visual mnemonic: Mupirocin mascot
**“Moo person’s Bacteria band”**

What it isBacterial isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase inhibitor; impetigo and nasal staphylococcal decolonization.

Why this oneIts unusual target enables topical MRSA decolonization without systemic antibiotic exposure.

What limits itRepeated or prolonged courses select resistance; reserve it for short, defined topical regimens.

Mupirocin molecular structure (skeletal formula) — Molecular structure: Mupirocin

FDA-approved for

impetigo and secondary skin infection (1987)
nasal MRSA decolonization

Off-label

recurrent staphylococcal furunculosis decolonization

FDA label

Read the full label on DailyMed ↗

FDA dosing	Population	Start	Target	Max
Topical bacterial skin infection (e.g., impetigo)	adult & peds ≥2 months	Apply small amount TID for up to 10 days

Renal Avoid where absorption of large amounts of polyethylene glycol is possible in moderate/severe renal impairment

Hepatic Undefined

Instructions

Topical use only — not for intranasal, ophthalmic, or other mucosal use
Apply with cotton swab or gauze; may cover with gauze dressing
Do not apply with other lotions, creams, or ointments
Re-evaluate if no clinical response within 3–5 days
Not for use with IV cannulae or central IV sites

Available strengths

cream 2 %
ointment 2 %

Cautions

Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis, urticaria, angioedema, generalized rash)
Eye irritation — avoid eye contact
Discontinue on sensitization or severe local irritation
C. difficile-associated diarrhea
Microbial overgrowth with prolonged use

Adverse reactions

Burning
Stinging or pain
Itching

Pregnancy Insufficient human data; systemic absorption through intact skin is minimal

Lactation Unknown if present in milk; minimal systemic absorption — wash treated breast/nipple before feeding

Cost

Mupirocin (BACTROBAN)

Strength		#/mo	generic $/unit	CostPlus
2 %	cream	per unit		not offered
2 %	ointment	per unit		not offered

NADAC is a voluntary CMS survey of what retail community pharmacies pay for the drugs they stock. Mupirocin is dispensed outside retail pharmacies, so it rarely appears on surveyed invoices.

Generic entry2013

NO BOXED WARNINGS

Principal riskLittle; topical

Classes and tags

Clinical profile

Therapeutic safety burden1 / 4

Overdose danger0 / 4

Weight-gain liability0 / 4

Sedation liability0 / 4

QT / Torsades0 / 4

Direct muscarinic antagonism0 / 4

Embryofetal risk0 / 4

Legacy pregnancy categoryC

Defining liabilityLocal irritation or hypersensitivity; systemic toxicity is minimal with correct local use.

Open Mupirocin in the interactive console ↗

Memory aids: interaction avatars

no kinetic interactions

Open Mupirocin in the interactive console ↗