Bactroban

(mupirocin)

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Treats certain skin infections and kills bacteria in the nose.

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Our bottom line

Compared to over-the-counter first aid topical antibiotics, Bactroban (mupirocin) can kill a larger variety of bacteria and is a good alternative if you're allergic to certain ingredients in OTC products.

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Quick facts about Bactroban
  • Drug class: Dermatologic
  • Rx status: Prescription only
  • Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (mupirocin)

Upsides

  • Can kill more types of bacteria than over-the-counter first aid topical antibiotics.
  • Works well at preventing resistant bacteria (bacteria that is hard to treat) in your nose from spreading to other areas.
  • Is generally a tolerable medicine. Few people experience side effects.
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What to expect from Bactroban, on one page

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Downsides

  • May be more expensive than some over-the-counter first-aid topical antibiotics.
  • You have to remember to apply this 3 times a day for skin infections, and 2 times a day for bacteria in the nose.
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What to expect from Bactroban, on one page

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How it works

Bactroban (mupirocin) is an antibiotic that prevents infection by killing bacteria.

Quick facts about Bactroban
  • Drug class: Dermatologic
  • Rx status: Prescription only
  • Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (mupirocin)

Used for

  • Impetigo
  • Secondary skin infections
  • MRSA colonization in the nostrils

Dosage forms

  • Cream
  • Ointment
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Prices and coupons

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What to expect when you take Bactroban (mupirocin) for Bacteria in the nose

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  • First few hoursHours
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  • Effectiveness
  • Starts to kick in
    Full effects
  • First few hoursHours
    First few daysDays
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  • Possible side effects
  • Headache
  • Stuffy nose
  • Lung or breathing problems
  • Sore throat
  • Taste changes
  • Burning/Stinging
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Side effect rates for Bactroban (mupirocin)

From 82 clinical trials of Bactroban when taken for secondarily infected eczema
  • Nausea
    5%5%
  • Headache
    4%4%
  • Burning
    4%4%
  • Itching
    2%2%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Where we got our data »

The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Bactroban.

Bactroban (mupirocin)
Placebo

People taking Bactroban felt side effect more

People taking Bactroban felt side effect less

No difference

Risks and Warnings for Bactroban (mupirocin)

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  • Rarely, Bactroban (mupirocin) can cause a serious allergic reaction. Stop use and speak to your doctor right away if you experience rashes or hives, fever, swelling, or trouble breathing.