Mupirocin: Patient drug information

What is this drug used for?

It is used to treat a bacteria found in nose passages and stop its spread to others.
It is used to treat skin infections.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?

All products:
If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
All skin products:
If a large area needs to be treated.
If your skin is damaged or has open wounds. Do not put on damaged skin or open wounds.
This drug may interact with other drugs or health problems.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?

All products:
Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
Do not use longer than you have been told. A second infection may happen.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.
All skin products:
Talk with your doctor before you use other drugs or products on your skin.
Do not use this drug near an area where drugs are given into a vein. Talk with the doctor.
If you are breast-feeding and use this drug on your breast or nipple, wash the area before breast-feeding your child.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Irritation where this drug was used.
Dizziness.
Fast or abnormal heartbeat.
A severe form of diarrhea called C diff-associated diarrhea (CDAD) has happened with most antibiotics. Sometimes, this can be deadly. This may happen while using the antibiotic or within a few months after you stop using it. Call your doctor right away if you have stomach pain or cramps, very loose or watery stools, or bloody stools. Do not try to treat diarrhea without first checking with your doctor.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
All products:
Burning or stinging.
Itching.
Headache.
Upset stomach.
Nose ointment:
Runny or stuffy nose.
Sore throat.
Cough.
Change in taste.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to your national health agency.

How is this drug best taken?

Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
All skin products:
Use as you have been told, even if your signs get better.
Do not take this drug by mouth. Use on your skin only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
If you get this drug in any of these areas, rinse well with water.
Wash your hands before and after use. If your hand is the treated area, do not wash your hand after use.
Clean affected part before use. Make sure to dry well.
Use a gauze pad or a cotton swab to put a small amount on the affected skin.
The treated part may be covered with a dressing.
Nose ointment:
Keep using this drug as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
Do not take this drug by mouth. Use in your nose only. Keep out of your mouth and eyes (may burn).
If you get this drug in any of these areas, rinse well with water.
Wash your hands before and after use.
For single use nose ointment, place ¹/₂ the ointment from the tube into one nostril and the other ¹/₂ into the other nostril. Press the nostrils at the same time and let go many times (for about a minute) to spread the ointment into the nose.
Throw away the tube after using. Do not reuse.
Do not use this drug with other nose products.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

Put on a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
Do not put on 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

Store at room temperature. Do not refrigerate or freeze.
Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

General drug facts

If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider's examination and assessment of a patient's specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.