Mupirocin (Bactroban)

Pronunciation: myoo-PEER-oh-sin.

Generic name
mupirocin
Drug class
Topical antibacterial (isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase inhibitor)
Form
Ointment 2% (20 mg/g); cream 2% (20 mg/g); nasal ointment 2% (separate product, not the skin formulation)
Route
Topical (skin) application; a separately formulated nasal ointment exists for nasal use only
Legal status
Prescription-only (New Zealand; historically OTC 1991-2000); prescription/pharmacy status varies slightly by market

Availability and supply rules vary by country

Trade names by country: United States · United Kingdom · Canada · Australia · New Zealand

Australia: Bactroban (ointment, nasal ointment, cream); generic MUPIROCIN-WGR, MUPIROCIN SCP (5) · Full directory

What mupirocin is and how it works

Mupirocin is a topical (skin) antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial skin infections, such as impetigo, caused by susceptible bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. It works differently from many other antibiotics, which is why it remains effective against some resistant strains. (1) (2)

Mupirocin ointment or cream is applied directly to the affected area of skin, usually two to three times a day for up to 10 days. It is not suitable for use in the eyes, inside the nose (a different, specially formulated nasal ointment exists for that purpose), or around intravenous lines. It carries genuine warnings about its ointment base (polyethylene glycol), which can be absorbed through open wounds and may affect people with significant kidney problems, plus standard antibiotic-related cautions about allergic reactions and, rarely, severe diarrhoea.

Mechanism of action: how mupirocin works

Mupirocin is produced by fermentation of Pseudomonas fluorescens and inhibits bacterial isoleucyl transfer-RNA synthetase, arresting bacterial protein synthesis. Its unique mode of action means it does not show cross-resistance with other clinically available antibiotic classes. It is bacteriostatic at minimum inhibitory concentrations and bactericidal at the higher concentrations reached with local application. It is poorly absorbed through intact skin; when absorbed (e.g. through broken/diseased skin) or given systemically, it is rapidly metabolised to the microbiologically inactive metabolite monic acid, which is excreted mainly by the kidneys. (6) (4)

What mupirocin is used for

Impetigo and other primary skin infections

Used for the topical treatment of impetigo and other primary skin infections (such as folliculitis and furunculosis in some markets) caused by susceptible Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. (1) (2) (6)

Secondarily infected traumatic skin lesions

The cream formulation is used for secondarily infected traumatic skin lesions (small lacerations, sutured wounds, or abrasions) due to susceptible S. aureus and S. pyogenes, up to a limited size in the US label. (1) (5)

Nasal MRSA decolonisation (separate nasal ointment product only)

In the UK and Australia, a separately formulated Bactroban Nasal Ointment is used to help eliminate nasal carriage of staphylococci, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This is a different product from the plain skin ointment/cream and must not be substituted. (2) (5)

Before taking mupirocin

Do not take / not appropriate for

  • Do not use if you have had a hypersensitivity (allergic) reaction to mupirocin or any ingredient of the product. (all countries where authorised) (1) (4)
  • Do not use the plain skin ointment or cream in the eyes, inside the nose, or in conjunction with intravenous cannulae or at central venous cannulation sites -- these are not suitable uses for this formulation. (all countries where authorised) (1) (2) (4) (6)

Tell your clinician about

  • Any history of allergic or sensitisation reactions to mupirocin, polyethylene glycol, or other ointment ingredients.
  • Any moderate or severe kidney (renal) problems, especially if treating a large area of open or damaged skin, because the polyethylene glycol ointment base can be absorbed through such skin and is cleared by the kidneys.
  • If you develop prolonged or significant diarrhoea, or abdominal cramps, during or after treatment.
  • Whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • If your infection does not improve after 3 to 5 days of treatment.
(1) (2) (4)

How to take mupirocin

  • Apply a small amount of ointment or cream to the affected area, typically two to three times a day, for up to 10 days, or as directed by your clinician.
  • The treated area may be covered with a gauze dressing if needed.
  • Wash your hands before and after applying.
  • Do not mix mupirocin ointment with other preparations, as this can dilute it and reduce its antibacterial effect.
  • Avoid contact with the eyes; if the product gets into the eyes, rinse thoroughly with water.
  • Only use a nasal mupirocin product inside the nose -- never use the plain skin ointment or cream intranasally.
(1) (6)

Procedures and treatment changes

Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

Missed dose

If you miss an application, apply it as soon as you remember or when convenient, then continue your normal dosing schedule -- do not apply extra to make up for a missed dose.

Overdose

Overdose has not commonly been reported with topical use of mupirocin, and there is limited experience with it. If accidental ingestion or excessive use occurs, contact your clinician, pharmacist, or a poisons information service for guidance -- treatment is supportive, as there is no specific antidote. (2) (6) (4)

Side effects

Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms.

Burning, stinging, or pain at the application site.

What to notice: Burning, stinging, or pain at the application site.

What to do: Discuss persistent or troublesome symptoms with the treating clinician or pharmacist. (1) (2)

Itching, redness (erythema), or dryness at the application site.

What to notice: Itching, redness (erythema), or dryness at the application site.

What to do: Discuss persistent or troublesome symptoms with the treating clinician or pharmacist. (1) (2)

Rash or nausea (uncommon).

What to notice: Rash or nausea (uncommon).

What to do: Discuss persistent or troublesome symptoms with the treating clinician or pharmacist. (1)

Serious warnings

Signs of a severe allergic reaction (hypersensitivity/anaphylaxis) — emergency

Symptoms: Widespread rash, hives (urticaria), swelling of the face/lips/throat (angioedema), or difficulty breathing.

Action: Get emergency medical help immediately and tell the treating team you have been using $1 -- systemic allergic reactions including anaphylaxis, generalised rash, urticaria, and angioedema have been reported, though this is very rare. (1) (2) (4) (6)

Prolonged or significant diarrhoea, or abdominal cramps — high caution

Symptoms: Watery or bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps, that continue or worsen during or after treatment.

Action: Discontinue treatment and contact your clinician promptly for further investigation -- pseudomembranous colitis has been reported with nearly all antibacterial agents, including mupirocin, and can range from mild to life-threatening, although this is less likely with topical use. (1) (2) (4) (6)

Kidney (renal) concerns with large-area or prolonged use — high caution

Symptoms: Not applicable -- this is a preventable risk factor, not a symptom to watch for after the fact.

Action: Tell your clinician before use if you have moderate or severe kidney impairment, especially if treating a large area of open or damaged skin -- the polyethylene glycol ointment base can be absorbed through such skin and is excreted by the kidneys, and should not be used where large-quantity absorption is possible in this setting. (1) (2) (4) (6)

Signs of a new or worsening infection during treatment — caution

Symptoms: Worsening redness, swelling, new areas of infection, or thrush-like changes on the skin.

Action: Contact your clinician -- prolonged use may result in overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms, including fungi. (1) (2) (4)

Interactions

  • No known serious drug interactions have been identified for mupirocin. (4)
  • Do not mix mupirocin ointment with other topical preparations, as this may dilute it, reduce its antibacterial effect, and affect the stability of the product. (6)

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age

Pregnancy

Adequate human data on use during pregnancy are not available in the sources reviewed; animal studies do not show reproductive toxicity. Use only if the potential benefit outweighs the possible risk, and only under clinician guidance. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

Breastfeeding

Adequate human and animal data on use during lactation are not available. If treating a cracked nipple, wash it thoroughly before breastfeeding (and discard any expressed milk from a treated breast if applicable). (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

Children

Used in children for approved skin indications in several of the markets reviewed (e.g. New Zealand data sheet includes adults and children in the standard dosing); follow your clinician's guidance for paediatric use. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

Elderly

No specific restriction identified beyond the general renal-impairment/polyethylene-glycol caution, which applies at any age. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

Hepatic_impairment

No specific dose adjustment described in the sources reviewed for hepatic impairment (New Zealand data sheet groups hepatically impaired patients with standard adult dosing). (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

Renal_impairment

Use with caution; the polyethylene glycol ointment base can be absorbed from open wounds/damaged skin and is excreted by the kidneys, so this product should not be used where large-quantity absorption is possible, especially with moderate or severe renal impairment. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

Source_ids

US-DAILYMED-MUPIROCIN-CURRENT-2026,UK-EMC-BACTROBAN-OINTMENT-2026,NZ-MEDSAFE-BACTROBAN-2018 (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

Monitoring

Before starting

  • Confirm the infection is due to a susceptible organism where possible (culture/susceptibility testing).
  • Assess kidney function/renal impairment status if treating large areas of open or damaged skin.
  • Confirm no known hypersensitivity to mupirocin or ointment-base ingredients.

During treatment

  • Clinical response should be reassessed if there is no improvement within 3 to 5 days.
  • Watch for local irritation, sensitisation, or signs of a new infection (overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms).
  • Watch for prolonged/significant diarrhoea or abdominal cramps, which should prompt discontinuation and clinical review.
(1)

Storage

Store at or below 25 degrees C, away from heat and light, up to the expiry date printed on the packaging. Discard any product remaining at the end of treatment.

Study the drug class: Mupirocin

Professional information

Clinician-facing context only, sourced from the current US prescribing information, UK SmPC, and NZ/Canadian regulator sources reviewed; verify against the current full label before prescribing.

United States, United Kingdom, European Union, Canada, Australia, New Zealand

Indication: Topical treatment of impetigo and other susceptible S. aureus/S. pyogenes skin infections

Dose summary: Apply topically 2-3 times daily for up to 10 days; reassess clinical response at 3-5 days. Not for ophthalmic, intranasal (skin formulation), or IV-cannula-site use. Nasal decolonisation uses a separate, differently formulated nasal ointment product (available in the UK and Australia among the markets reviewed).

Renal context: Caution advised in moderate-to-severe renal impairment when treating large areas of open/damaged skin, due to potential absorption of the polyethylene glycol ointment base, which is renally excreted. (1) (4)

Mechanism of action

Hepatic guidance

No specific hepatic dose adjustment identified in the sources reviewed.

Overdose note

Limited clinical experience with overdose; no specific antidote. Manage supportively with appropriate monitoring, and contact a poisons information service if needed. (6) (4)

Frequently asked questions

Can I use mupirocin skin ointment inside my nose?

No. The plain mupirocin skin ointment and cream are not suitable for intranasal use. A separate, specially formulated mupirocin nasal ointment exists in some markets (such as the UK and Australia) for eliminating nasal carriage of staphylococci, including MRSA, but this is a different product from the skin ointment or cream and must not be substituted. (2) (5)

Is mupirocin safe if I have kidney problems?

Talk to your clinician before using mupirocin if you have moderate or severe kidney impairment, especially if you need to treat a large area of open or damaged skin. The ointment base contains polyethylene glycol, which can be absorbed through open wounds or damaged skin and is cleared by the kidneys, so it should not be used where absorption of large quantities is possible in people with significant kidney problems. (1) (2) (4)

What should I do if I get diarrhoea while using mupirocin?

If you develop prolonged or significant diarrhoea, or abdominal cramps, during or after using mupirocin, discontinue treatment and contact your clinician promptly. Pseudomembranous colitis (a serious bowel inflammation) has been reported with nearly all antibiotics, including mupirocin, and can range from mild to life-threatening, although this is less likely to occur with topical use than with oral or injected antibiotics. (1) (2)

What is the mechanism of action of mupirocin?

Mupirocin is produced by fermentation of Pseudomonas fluorescens and inhibits bacterial isoleucyl transfer-RNA synthetase, arresting bacterial protein synthesis. Its unique mode of action means it does not show cross-resistance with other clinically available antibiotic classes. It is bacteriostatic at minimum inhibitory concentrations and bactericidal at the higher concentrations reached with local application. It is poorly absorbed through intact skin; when absorbed (e.g. through broken/diseased skin) or given systemically, it is rapidly metabolised to the microbiologically inactive metabolite monic acid, which is excreted mainly by the kidneys. (6) (4)

What is the generic name of Mupirocin (Bactroban)?

The generic name is mupirocin. (1) (6)

What class of drug is mupirocin?

Mupirocin (Bactroban) is classed as: Topical antibacterial (isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase inhibitor). (1) (6)

References

  1. MUPIROCIN ointment USP, 2% -- full prescribing informationU.S. Food and Drug Administration / DailyMed (NIH), full prescribing information · United States · dated 2026-06-05 · accessed 2026-07-30 · source 1
  2. Bactroban Ointment 2% -- Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)electronic medicines compendium (emc), United Kingdom -- GlaxoSmithKline UK Limited · United Kingdom · dated 2026-01-01 · accessed 2026-07-30 · source 2
  3. Mupirocin: list of nationally authorised medicinal products (PSUSA/00002096/201703)European Medicines Agency (EMA) -- Periodic Safety Update Report Single Assessment (PSUSA), and national EU registers · European Union · dated 2017-12-01 · accessed 2026-07-30 · source 3
  4. BACTROBAN (Mupirocin Ointment B.P. 2%) -- Product MonographHealth Canada product monograph, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Inc. · Canada · dated 2016-07-06 · accessed 2026-07-30 · source 4
  5. BACTROBAN mupirocin -- ARTG entries: ointment 20mg/g (11145, registered 14 Aug 1991), nasal ointment 2% (11199, registered 14 Aug 1991), cream 20mg/g (63542, registered 23 Apr 1998); also generic MUPIROCIN-WGR (433092) and MUPIROCIN SCP (276519)Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia · Australia · dated 2026-01-01 · accessed 2026-07-30 · source 5
  6. BACTROBAN mupirocin 2% ointment -- New Zealand Data Sheet (Version 6.0)Medsafe (New Zealand regulator) -- GlaxoSmithKline NZ Ltd · New Zealand · dated 2018-12-13 · accessed 2026-07-30 · source 6

Brand names by country

Single-ingredient mupirocin names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.

Priority countries

United States

  • Pirnuo2 g00g · glenmark pharmaceuticals inc., usa

United Kingdom

  • Bactroban (2)MHRA licensed emc smpc confirmed · GlaxoSmithKline UK Limited

Canada

  • BACTROBAN

Australia

  • Bactroban (ointment, nasal ointment, cream); generic MUPIROCIN-WGR, MUPIROCIN SCP (5)TGA ARTG multiple entries registered since 1991 · GlaxoSmithKline Australia Pty Ltd (originator); multiple generic sponsors

New Zealand

  • Bactroban; Mupider; other generics (6)medsafe data sheet confirmed version 6.0 2018-12-13 · GlaxoSmithKline NZ Ltd (originator); multiple generic sponsors · Prescription-only; was briefly OTC 1991-2000, reversed due to rising resistance patterns -- a genuine NZ-specific regulatory history point.
View brands in additional countries.

European Union

Various national brands (e.g. Infectopyoderm in Germany; Bactroban in several member states) (3)