Bactroban
(mupirocin)
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Treats certain skin infections and kills bacteria in the nose.
Skip Upsides & Downsides section. Skip to side effects section.
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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.
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
Download Fact SheetHow 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
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.Prices and coupons for 1 (30g-of-2%25-ointment) kit of mupirocin near
Pay as low as$324.3590087890625Retail priceRetail priceLearn more- CostcoGet free coupon$320.38
- Medicine ShoppeGet free coupon$329.76
- Kroger PharmacyGet free coupon$331.11
Sign up now for a 30-day trial and save up to 95% at CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, and other pharmacies.
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See more prices and coupons in your areaWhat to expect when you take Bactroban (mupirocin) for Bacteria in the nose
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Headache
- Stuffy nose
- Lung or breathing problems
- Sore throat
- Taste changes
- Burning/Stinging
Side effect rates for Bactroban (mupirocin)
From 82 clinical trials of Bactroban when taken for secondarily infected eczema
- Nausea5%5%
- Headache4%4%
- Burning4%4%
- Itching2%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)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.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.