At Caresalve, we get a lot of questions about mupirocin ointment, one of the most commonly prescribed topical antibiotics for skin infections. If you have recently been given a tube of mupirocin by your doctor, or you are simply trying to understand what this medicine does, this guide from Caresalve will walk you through everything you need to know, including what it treats, how to apply it correctly, possible side effects, and how it compares to Bactroban.
What Is Mupirocin Ointment?
Mupirocin is a topical antibiotic that comes in a 2 percent strength, usually labeled as Mupirocin Ointment USP 2%. It works by stopping certain bacteria from producing the proteins they need to survive and multiply, which allows the body’s immune system to clear the infection more effectively.
Mupirocin is available in two main forms:
- Ointment, which has a petrolatum base and is generally used for skin infections and sometimes inside the nose under medical supervision
- Cream, which has a different base and is typically used for infected wounds caused by minor cuts, scrapes, or stitches
Both forms contain the same active antibiotic ingredient, but the base and approved uses differ slightly, so they are not always interchangeable unless your doctor says otherwise.
What Is Mupirocin Ointment Used For?
The primary purpose of mupirocin ointment is treating bacterial skin infections caused by susceptible strains of bacteria, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. According to Drugs.com, mupirocin ointment is an antibiotic ointment used to treat bacterial skin infections, including staph or strep infections.
Doctors commonly prescribe it for:
- Impetigo, a superficial and highly contagious skin infection that often appears in children
- Infected wounds following a cut, scrape, or minor surgical procedure, when a clinician has confirmed a bacterial infection is present
- Certain cases of skin colonization with Staphylococcus aureus, including MRSA, as part of a broader treatment plan
- Secondary bacterial infections that develop on top of another skin condition
It is worth noting that mupirocin should not be treated as a general first aid product for every scrape. Drugs.com specifically states that mupirocin ointment should not be used as a general purpose product on every open cut or scrape, and that for routine minor wounds that are simply healing and not infected, gentle cleansing and simple protective care are recommended instead of a topical antibiotic.
Common Mupirocin Ointment Uses for Skin Conditions
Mupirocin for Impetigo
Impetigo is one of the conditions mupirocin is most frequently prescribed for. The GoodRx overview of mupirocin explains that it is commonly used to treat small areas of bacterial skin infections such as impetigo. Since impetigo can spread through direct contact, patients are usually advised to wash their hands before and after applying the ointment and to avoid sharing towels or bedding while the infection is active.
Mupirocin for Wounds and Cuts
When a wound becomes infected rather than simply healing on its own, a doctor may prescribe mupirocin for that specific site. It is meant to be applied only to the area a healthcare provider has identified as infected, not as a preventive layer on every fresh cut.
Mupirocin for Rash, Folliculitis, and Boils
Bacterial folliculitis, which causes small, tender, pus filled bumps around hair follicles, and certain boils caused by staph bacteria can also respond to mupirocin. That said, not every rash is bacterial, and using mupirocin on the wrong type of rash will not help and may delay proper treatment.
Mupirocin for Staph Infection
Mupirocin has documented effectiveness against Staphylococcus aureus, including some strains that are resistant to other antibiotics. It is sometimes used in hospital settings to reduce nasal colonization of MRSA in patients and healthcare workers, as noted by Mayo Clinic in its description of the nasal formulation.
What Does Mupirocin Not Treat?
This is an area where a lot of confusion happens, so it deserves its own section. Mupirocin is an antibiotic, which means it works only against bacteria. It has no effect on fungal or viral infections. Drugs.com confirms that mupirocin does not treat ringworm because ringworm is a fungal infection, while mupirocin only works against bacteria.
Conditions mupirocin will not help include:
- Fungal infections such as ringworm or athlete’s foot
- Yeast infections
- Jock itch, which is typically fungal in nature
- Poison ivy or other allergic contact reactions
- Acne, which has different underlying causes
- Viral skin infections such as cold sores or warts
- General itching that is not caused by a bacterial infection
If you apply mupirocin to a condition it is not meant for, you may see no improvement at all, and the underlying issue could get worse while you wait for results that will not come.
How to Use Mupirocin Ointment
Applying mupirocin correctly makes a real difference in how well it works. The general steps, based on standard prescribing guidance, are as follows.
- Clean the affected area gently and pat it dry before applying the ointment
- Apply a small, thin layer to the infected area, usually two to three times a day or exactly as your doctor has instructed
- Wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying the medicine, unless the hands themselves are being treated
- Cover the area with a gauze dressing if your doctor recommends it, though this is not always necessary
- Avoid applying more ointment than directed, since using extra amounts will not speed up healing
- Do not use the medication for longer than prescribed, even if the skin looks better after a few days
- If you forget a dose, apply it as soon as you remember, but skip it entirely if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose
Drugs.com notes that mupirocin is generally prescribed with instructions to apply a small amount to the affected area three times a day, and that the area may be covered with gauze if desired.
How Long Does Mupirocin Take to Work?
Most people begin to notice improvement within a few days of consistent use. However, if there is no visible clinical improvement within three to five days, the infection should be reevaluated by a healthcare provider, since this may indicate resistance or a different underlying cause. GoodRx echoes this same guidance, advising patients to let their healthcare provider know if their skin infection has not improved within three to five days, or if it appears to be getting worse.
It is important to complete the full course prescribed by your doctor, typically around ten days for skin infections, even if the visible symptoms clear up sooner. Stopping early can allow surviving bacteria to multiply again.
Mupirocin Ointment Side Effects
Like any medication, mupirocin ointment can cause side effects, though most people tolerate it well.
Common Side Effects
According to WebMD and GoodRx, the most frequently reported side effects at the application site include:
- Mild burning or stinging
- Itching
- Redness or local irritation
- Occasional headache or nausea, particularly with nasal use
Serious Allergic Reactions
Although rare, some people can have a genuine allergic reaction to mupirocin. Watch for the following and seek medical attention promptly if they occur:
- Severe rash or hives spreading beyond the application site
- Swelling of the face, lips, or throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Signs of a more serious skin reaction, such as blistering or peeling
If you experience any of these symptoms, stop using the product and contact a healthcare professional right away.
Where Should You Not Use Mupirocin Ointment?
Mupirocin is intended for use on the skin only, in the area your doctor has identified. Mayo Clinic advises that this medicine should only be used on the skin, and that you should not get it in your eyes, nose, mouth, or vagina, unless a specific formulation has been prescribed for that purpose.
Areas to generally avoid unless your prescriber has specifically instructed otherwise include:
- The eyes, since accidental contact can cause irritation
- Inside the nose, unless you have been prescribed the nasal formulation specifically for that use
- Large areas of skin, without direct medical guidance
- The mouth or genital area
Some ointment formulations also contain polyethylene glycol, and WebMD notes that products containing this ingredient should not be used on open wounds or damaged skin, since it can be absorbed and may cause problems, particularly in people with reduced kidney function.
Mupirocin Cream vs. Ointment
While both forms share the same active ingredient, they are formulated differently and approved for slightly different situations. The cream tends to be used for infected wounds such as cuts, scrapes, or minor surgical sites, while the ointment, with its petrolatum base, is more commonly used for impetigo and other skin infections. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you determine which formulation is right for your specific situation, and the two should not automatically be assumed to work the same way on every part of the body.
Mupirocin vs. Bactroban: Are They the Same?
This is a very common question, and the short answer is yes. Bactroban is simply a brand name for mupirocin. WebMD lists Bactroban and Centany as brand names associated with topical mupirocin. Whether you are handed a tube labeled Bactroban or one labeled generic mupirocin, the active ingredient and its mechanism of action are the same. Pricing, inactive ingredients, and packaging may vary between brand and generic versions, but the antibiotic itself is identical.
Is Mupirocin Available Over the Counter?
In most regions, mupirocin is a prescription only medication and is not sold over the counter. Availability can differ depending on your country and local regulations, so it is best to check with a local pharmacy rather than assume it can be purchased without a prescription. If you believe you have a bacterial skin infection, the safest step is to see a healthcare provider who can confirm the diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate strength and formulation.
Mupirocin Storage and Expiration
Mupirocin ointment should be stored at room temperature, generally between 68°F and 77°F, and kept in a cool, dry place away from direct heat or freezing temperatures. WebMD notes it can tolerate brief exposure to a slightly wider temperature range during short periods, such as while traveling, but it should not be frozen. Like most medications, mupirocin does have an expiration date printed on the packaging, and it should not be used after that date, since its effectiveness cannot be guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mupirocin Ointment
1. What is mupirocin ointment used for?
It is used to treat bacterial skin infections such as impetigo, infected wounds, and certain staph infections.
2. Is mupirocin an antibiotic?
Yes, it is a topical antibiotic that works specifically against bacteria, not fungi or viruses.
3. Can I use mupirocin on my face?
It can sometimes be used on facial skin infections when prescribed, but it should never be applied near the eyes, and you should follow your doctor’s specific instructions.
4. Can I use mupirocin ointment on an open wound?
Only when a healthcare provider has confirmed the wound is infected. It is not meant for routine minor cuts or scrapes.
5. Does mupirocin treat yeast infections?
No, mupirocin is an antibiotic and has no effect on fungal or yeast infections.
6. How long does mupirocin take to work?
Most people see improvement within a few days, but a doctor should reevaluate the infection if there is no improvement within three to five days.
7. Is mupirocin the same as Bactroban?
Yes, Bactroban is simply a brand name for mupirocin.
8. Is mupirocin available over the counter?
In most places it requires a prescription, though availability can vary by country.
At Caresalve, our goal is to help you understand your medications clearly so you can use them safely and effectively. This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not replace advice from a licensed healthcare provider. Always follow the specific instructions given by your doctor or pharmacist when using mupirocin ointment.
References
- Mayo Clinic. Mupirocin (topical route): Description and side effects. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/mupirocin-topical-route/description/drg-20064924
- Mayo Clinic. Mupirocin (nasal route): Side effects and dosage. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/mupirocin-nasal-route/side-effects/drg-20064917
- Drugs.com. Mupirocin Ointment: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Warnings. https://www.drugs.com/mupirocin-ointment.html
- WebMD. Mupirocin topical (Bactroban, Centany): Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Warnings and Dosing. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/mupirocin-bactroban
- GoodRx. Mupirocin: Uses, Side Effects, FAQs and More. https://www.goodrx.com/mupirocin/what-is