Infections
Medicines for MRSA
A type of common bacteria resistant to several antibiotics that can cause infections, particularly in healthcare settings — managed with specific antibiotics and prevented by good hygiene.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is MRSA?
MRSA stands for meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus — a type of the common "staph" bacteria that has become resistant to several widely used antibiotics. Many people carry Staphylococcus aureus, including MRSA, harmlessly on their skin or in their nose without any illness (this is called colonisation).
- How it is treated: MRSA infections are treated with antibiotics that the bacteria are still sensitive to, guided by laboratory testing, and the specific treatment depends on the type and severity of infection.
- Self-care: Good hand hygiene, keeping wounds clean and covered, not sharing personal items like towels and razors, and following any decolonisation treatment before surgery all help prevent MRSA infection and spread.
- When to seek help: See a doctor about a skin infection (such as a spreading red, painful area, boil or abscess) that is worsening, especially with fever.
What it is
MRSA stands for meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus — a type of the common "staph" bacteria that has become resistant to several widely used antibiotics. Many people carry Staphylococcus aureus, including MRSA, harmlessly on their skin or in their nose without any illness (this is called colonisation). Problems arise when it gets into the body — for example through a wound, a drip or a surgical site — and causes an infection, which can range from skin infections (such as boils and abscesses) to more serious infections of the blood, lungs or other sites. Because it is resistant to some antibiotics, these infections can be harder to treat, and it is a particular concern in hospitals and among people who are already unwell.
How it is treated
MRSA infections are treated with antibiotics that the bacteria are still sensitive to, guided by laboratory testing, and the specific treatment depends on the type and severity of infection. People found to be carrying MRSA (without infection), for example before surgery, may be given a decolonisation treatment — antiseptic washes and nasal ointment — to reduce the bacteria on the skin and lower infection risk. Preventing spread is central, especially in healthcare: thorough hand hygiene, careful wound and device care, screening of certain patients, and good cleaning all help. For most healthy people in the community, MRSA carriage is not dangerous, and simple hygiene measures reduce spread.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for MRSA
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Good hand hygiene, keeping wounds clean and covered, not sharing personal items like towels and razors, and following any decolonisation treatment before surgery all help prevent MRSA infection and spread.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a doctor about a skin infection (such as a spreading red, painful area, boil or abscess) that is worsening, especially with fever. In hospital, staff manage MRSA; follow their advice on hygiene and any treatment.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
MRSA: frequently asked questions
Is MRSA dangerous?
Many people carry MRSA harmlessly on their skin. It becomes a problem if it causes an infection, which can be harder to treat because it resists some antibiotics — a particular concern in hospitals and in people who are already unwell.
How is MRSA prevented from spreading?
Through thorough hand hygiene, careful wound and medical-device care, screening and decolonisation treatment where appropriate, and good cleaning — especially important in healthcare settings.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — MRSA
- UKHSA — MRSA guidance
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