A topical antibiotic
Mupirocin
A topical antibiotic used for skin infections such as impetigo, and in the nose to clear MRSA.
What is Mupirocin?
Mupirocin is an antibiotic used on the skin to treat infections such as impetigo, and as a nasal ointment to clear MRSA bacteria from the nose. It works by stopping the bacteria from growing. It is used as a short course and applied thinly, because overusing it can lead to resistance.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Mupirocin — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Mupirocin is an antibiotic used directly on the skin or inside the nose rather than taken by mouth. As a skin cream or ointment it treats localised bacterial skin infections, particularly impetigo. As a nasal ointment it is used to clear MRSA (a type of bacteria that is resistant to many antibiotics) from the nostrils, often as part of an infection-control process in hospitals.
How it works
Mupirocin works by blocking an enzyme that bacteria need to make proteins. Without these proteins the bacteria cannot grow or multiply, so the infection is cleared or the bacteria carried in the nose are removed. Because it is applied directly where it is needed, very little is absorbed into the rest of the body.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Originally developed by Beecham (now part of GSK)..
Mupirocin is an antibiotic derived from a bacterium. In the UK it is used as a skin cream or ointment for infections such as impetigo, and as a nasal ointment to clear the bacteria that cause MRSA from the nose.
Practical use
How to take Mupirocin
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Wash and dry your hands before and after applying it.
- Apply a thin layer to the affected skin, or a small amount inside the nostrils, exactly as directed.
- Use it only for the short course you have been given.
- Do not use it for longer than advised, as overuse encourages resistance.
- Avoid getting the skin preparation in your eyes.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Mupirocin
Advantages
- It is very effective against the common skin bacteria, including those that cause impetigo.
- It is one of the main treatments for clearing MRSA from the nose.
- Applied directly, very little enters the rest of the body.
Disadvantages
- Resistance can develop if it is overused, so courses are kept short.
- It only treats the area it is applied to and is not suitable for deeper or widespread infections.
- It can cause local stinging or irritation, especially in the nose.
Practical use
Good to know
Mupirocin is used as a short course and applied thinly to the affected skin or inside the nostrils as directed. It is important not to overuse it or use it for long periods, because this can lead to bacteria becoming resistant, which would make it less useful. Wash your hands before and after applying it. If a skin infection has not improved by the end of the course, go back to your GP or pharmacist.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- Anyone who has had an allergic reaction to mupirocin.
- Use the nasal ointment only in the nose, and the skin product only on the skin, as directed.
- Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Monitoring
- No routine monitoring is needed for short topical courses.
- The infection should improve over the course — seek advice if it does not.
Side effects
- Stinging, itching or redness where it is applied.
- A burning sensation or dryness in the nose with the nasal ointment.
- Rarely, an allergic skin reaction.
Key interactions
- Few interactions, as very little is absorbed into the body.
- Tell your pharmacist about other creams or nasal products you are using.
- Avoid using other products on the same area at the same time unless advised.
Available as: cream, ointment and nasal ointment
Answers
Mupirocin: frequently asked questions
What is mupirocin used for?
It is a topical antibiotic used on the skin for infections such as impetigo, and as a nasal ointment to clear MRSA bacteria from the nose.
How should I apply it?
Apply a thin layer to the affected skin, or a small amount inside the nostrils, exactly as directed. Wash your hands before and after.
Why is it only used for a short course?
Overusing it or using it for long periods can lead to bacteria becoming resistant, which would make it less effective. Keeping courses short helps preserve it.
What is the nasal ointment for?
The nasal ointment is used to clear MRSA from the nostrils, often as part of infection-control measures in hospital before or after procedures.
What if my skin infection does not clear?
If the infection has not improved by the end of the course, or gets worse, go back to your GP or pharmacist rather than continuing to use it.
The wider class
About Topical antibiotics
Mupirocin belongs to the topical antibiotics class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.
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Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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