Effect
Mupirocin inhibits the growth (bacteriostatic effect) of staphylococci and streptococci. In higher concentrations it has a killing effect (bactericidal). It also helps in infections with the MRSA germ.
Mupirocin interferes with bacterial protein synthesis (formation of protein chains) by preventing the individual amino acids from linking together. This special mechanism of action ensures that resistance rarely develops. Cross-resistance also does not occur. In the case of cross-resistance, an antibiotic not only loses its effectiveness against a single strain of bacteria, but an entire group of antibiotics then no longer works against the germ.
Application
Mupirocin is a local antibiotic. It is applied directly to the affected area. In Germany and Switzerland, ointments, creams and nasal ointments are available. In Austria, mupirocin is only available as an ointment.
Ointments and creams
Adults, adolescents, children, and infants four weeks of age and older apply ointments and creams containing mupirocin to the skin two to three times daily for up to ten days.
Nasal ointment
The nasal ointment may be applied to both nostrils two to three times a day for up to ten days. It is best to use cotton swabs, which should be discarded after use to prevent germs from spreading. Do not use the nasal ointment on infants, as it is dangerous if they accidentally inhale ointment residue.
Apply a small amount of the ointment (about the size of a match head) to the cotton swab. Spread it on the inside of one nostril. Then press the nostrils together with your thumb and forefinger. Gently massage to distribute the ointment evenly throughout the nostril. Repeat the process on the other side.
Fields of application
Depending on whether you use an ointment, a cream or a nasal ointment, the approved areas of application differ.
Ointments and creams are used for bacterial infections of the skin. These include:
- Impetigo (infection of the skin caused by staphylococci and/or streptococci).
- Folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicles)
- Furunculosis (deep-seated folliculitis)
- Ecthyma (small flat ulcers that sometimes contain pus)
The nasal ointment is approved for the treatment of infections of the nasal mucosa with the MRSA germ. This can greatly reduce the incidence of wound infections after surgery (by about 50 percent).
MRSA germs often persist very stubbornly in the nose because antibiotics have difficulty getting there. If the bacteria can be killed there, they are prevented from spreading to the body again after antibiotic treatment has ended.
Side effects
Possible side effects are mainly reactions at the treated skin and mucous membrane sites such as burning, redness, itching and hypersensitivity.
For rarer side effects, see the package insert that came with your mupirocin medicine. Contact your doctor or ask at your pharmacy if you suspect any unwanted side effects.
Contraindications
Mupirocin should not be used if you are hypersensitive or allergic to the active ingredient or any other component of the medication. There is insufficient experience with children who are less than four weeks old, therefore they should not be treated with mupirocin.
Pregnancy and lactation
Avoid direct contact of your infant with the treated skin area when breastfeeding. If you are treating a cracked nipple, clean it thoroughly before breastfeeding.
Dispensing instructions
Medicines containing mupirocin require a prescription in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
