Mupirocin: A Topical Antibiotic for Skin Infections
Mupirocin is a topical antibiotic that is used to treat various types of skin infections caused by bacteria. It belongs to a class of drugs called monoxycarbolic acid antibiotics, which work by inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial proteins. Mupirocin is effective against many gram-positive and some gram-negative bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Haemophilus influenzae, and Escherichia coli.
Mupirocin is available in different formulations, such as ointment, cream, and nasal spray. The ointment and cream are applied to the affected area of the skin, usually three times a day for 7 to 14 days. The nasal spray is used to eliminate nasal carriage of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which can cause serious infections in hospitals and other health care settings. The nasal spray is administered twice daily for 5 days.
Uses of Mupirocin
Mupirocin is used to treat various types of skin infections, such as:
- Impetigo: A contagious skin infection that causes red sores and blisters on the face, especially around the nose and mouth.
- Folliculitis: An inflammation of the hair follicles that causes red bumps and pus-filled lesions on the skin.
- Furuncles and carbuncles: Painful infections of the hair follicles that form large boils on the skin.
- Ecthyma: A severe form of impetigo that causes deep ulcers on the skin.
- Secondary skin infections: Infections that occur as a complication of other skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, or wounds.
Mupirocin is also used to prevent or treat infections in certain situations, such as:
- Before and after surgery: Mupirocin can be applied to the surgical site to reduce the risk of infection.
- Nasal carriage of MRSA: Mupirocin can be used as a nasal spray to eliminate MRSA from the nose, which can prevent the spread of the bacteria to other people or parts of the body.
- Peritoneal dialysis: Mupirocin can be applied to the exit site of the catheter that is used for peritoneal dialysis, a type of kidney treatment that involves filtering the blood through a fluid in the abdomen.
Dose and Side Effects of Mupirocin
The dose and duration of mupirocin treatment depend on the type and severity of the infection, as well as the patient’s age and medical history. The following are some general guidelines for mupirocin use:
- Ointment and cream: Apply a thin layer of mupirocin to the affected area of the skin, usually three times a day for 7 to 14 days. Cover the area with a sterile bandage if needed. Wash your hands before and after applying mupirocin. Do not use mupirocin on large areas of skin or for longer than prescribed.
- Nasal spray: Spray half of the contents of one single-use tube into each nostril, twice daily for 5 days. Press your nostrils together and gently massage after each spray. Do not blow your nose for at least an hour after using mupirocin. Do not use mupirocin for more than 5 days or more than twice in 6 months.
Mupirocin is generally well tolerated, but some side effects may occur, such as:
- Skin irritation, burning, itching, dryness, or redness at the application site.
- Headache, nausea, or dizziness.
- Allergic reactions, such as rash, hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
If you experience any serious or persistent side effects, contact your doctor immediately.
Brands and Prices of Mupirocin
Mupirocin is sold under various brand names in different countries. Some of the most popular brands are:
- Bactroban: This is the original brand name of mupirocin, manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. It is available as an ointment (2%) and a cream (2%).
- Centany: This is a generic version of mupirocin ointment (2%), manufactured by Mylan Pharmaceuticals.
- T-Bact: This is another generic version of mupirocin ointment (2%), manufactured by Cipla Limited.
- Bactoderm: This is a generic version of mupirocin cream (2%), manufactured by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited.
- Bactonase: This is a generic version of mupirocin nasal spray (0.1%), manufactured by Lupin Limited.
The prices of mupirocin vary depending on the brand, formulation, strength, quantity, and country of purchase. The following table shows the average prices of mupirocin in different countries, based on online sources and with reference to the original brand name Bactroban.
| Country | Ointment (2%) | Cream (2%) | Nasal Spray (0.1%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | $14.99 for 22 g | $18.99 for 15 g | $189.99 for 10 tubes |
| Canada | $19.99 for 15 g | $24.99 for 15 g | $199.99 for 10 tubes |
| UK | £7.99 for 15 g | £9.99 for 15 g | £59.99 for 10 tubes |
| UAE | AED 29.99 for 15 g | AED 34.99 for 15 g | AED 199.99 for 10 tubes |
| India | INR 149.99 for 5 g | INR 199.99 for 5 g | INR 999.99 for 10 tubes |
Conclusion
Mupirocin is a topical antibiotic that is used to treat various types of skin infections caused by bacteria. It is available in different formulations, such as ointment, cream, and nasal spray. Mupirocin is effective against many gram-positive and some gram-negative bacteria, including MRSA. Mupirocin is generally well tolerated, but some side effects may occur, such as skin irritation, headache, or allergic reactions. Mupirocin is sold under various brand names in different countries, and the prices vary depending on the brand, formulation, strength, quantity, and country of purchase.
If you have any questions or concerns about mupirocin, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using it.