Mupirocin (Bactroban): Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and Cost in Canada

Mupirocin is a topical antibiotic ointment for impetigo. Learn how to apply it, how long to use it, its side effects and what to do if the infection does not improve.

skin careDoctor-reviewedPrescriptionAvailable in Canada
Illustration of an ointment tube for Mupirocin (Bactroban)

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Overview

Mupirocin is an antibiotic ointment applied to the skin to treat impetigo, a contagious bacterial infection that causes red sores and honey-coloured crusts, most often around the nose and mouth. Bactroban was the original brand. Pharmacy information sources report that it is no longer made for sale in Canada, and generic mupirocin 2% ointment is sold instead.

It is used only on the skin. It is not for viral infections such as cold sores, or for eye or nose infections. Impetigo spreads easily, so wash your hands often and avoid sharing towels until it has healed.

Skin infections can look similar to other skin problems, so they are best checked by a doctor. BC residents can speak with a BC-licensed doctor by phone through Avee Health about their symptoms and next steps. A prescription is not guaranteed.

In Canada, mupirocin 2% ointment is used for:

  • Treatment of impetigo, a contagious bacterial skin infection caused by susceptible bacteria

It is not suitable for use in the eyes or inside the nose, and it does not treat viral skin infections. Ask your prescriber about use in young children.

Generic name

Mupirocin

Drug class

Topical antibiotic

Category

skin care

Availability

Prescription required

In Canada

Available

How Mupirocin Works

Mupirocin is an antibiotic used on the skin. It blocks an enzyme that bacteria need to make their own proteins, so the bacteria that cause impetigo cannot grow and the infection can clear.

Very little is absorbed into the body through the skin, and what is absorbed is quickly changed into an inactive substance, monic acid. That is why it is used for local skin infections and not for infections elsewhere in the body.

Dosage Instructions of Mupirocin

Use mupirocin exactly as your prescriber or pharmacist directs. Canadian pharmacy and product information give these usual directions for the 2% ointment:

  • Apply a small amount to the affected area 3 times a day, for up to 10 days depending on how the skin responds.
  • Wash your hands before and after applying it. It is for use on the skin only. Keep it out of your eyes and do not use it inside the nose.
  • Do not mix it with other creams or ointments.
  • Complete the course. If the infection does not improve within 3 to 5 days, or gets worse, contact your doctor.
  • Throw away any ointment left at the end of treatment.

Missed dose: apply it as soon as you remember and carry on with your usual schedule. If it is almost time for the next application, skip the missed one.

Storage Instructions

Store as directed on the tube. Keep out of the reach and sight of children.

Side Effects of Mupirocin

Mupirocin ointment is generally well tolerated. Side effects are uncommon and mostly local, where the ointment was applied: itching, burning, stinging or a rash. A skin reaction to mupirocin or to the ointment base can occur.

Using an antibiotic can occasionally allow organisms that it does not kill to overgrow.

Stop using it, wipe it off and contact a doctor if you have:

  • Severe skin irritation, redness or swelling where it was applied
  • Swelling of the face, lips or throat, hives or trouble breathing, which can be an allergic reaction
  • A rash that spreads, fever, or an infection that is getting worse or not improving within 3 to 5 days

Important Safety Information About Mupirocin

  • Allergy: do not use it if you are allergic to mupirocin or any ingredient in the ointment.
  • Eyes and nose: the ointment is not suitable for use in the eyes or inside the nose.
  • Kidneys and open wounds: the ointment contains polyethylene glycol (PEG), which can be absorbed from open wounds and damaged skin. It should not be used where large amounts could be absorbed, especially if you have kidney problems.
  • Overgrowth: antibiotic use can occasionally allow organisms that the medicine does not kill to overgrow.
  • No improvement: if the infection does not improve within 3 to 5 days or gets worse, see a doctor. A different treatment, such as an antibiotic taken by mouth, may be needed.
  • Pregnancy: if you are or may be pregnant, talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks.
  • Spread of infection: impetigo is contagious. Wash your hands often and do not share towels or bedding until the sores have healed.

Drug Interactions

No serious drug interactions are known for mupirocin applied to the skin. Still, tell your prescriber and pharmacist about everything you use, including other creams, ointments and natural products.

  • Do not mix mupirocin ointment with other topical products, as this can stop it from working properly.
  • The ointment base can be absorbed through damaged skin, so tell your prescriber about kidney problems or large open wounds.

Brands & DIN Number of Mupirocin

Brand Names

Bactroban

Key Takeaways

  • 1Mupirocin is a topical antibiotic ointment used to treat impetigo, a contagious bacterial skin infection.
  • 2The usual directions are a small amount on the affected area 3 times a day for up to 10 days, depending on the response.
  • 3If the skin does not improve within 3 to 5 days, or gets worse, contact a doctor.
  • 4It is for the skin only. Keep it out of the eyes and do not use it inside the nose.
  • 5Side effects are uncommon and mostly local: itching, burning or rash. Stop and wipe it off if irritation is severe or you have signs of an allergy.
  • 6The ointment contains polyethylene glycol, so tell your prescriber about kidney problems or large open wounds.
  • 7The Bactroban brand is reported to be no longer made for sale in Canada. Generic mupirocin 2% ointment is available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a prescription for mupirocin in Canada, and how do I get it in BC?
Mupirocin ointment is listed as a Schedule 1 medicine in the national drug scheduling system (NAPRA), which generally means a prescription is required, even though Health Canada's drug database lists some mupirocin products as non-prescription. Rules are applied by each province, so ask your pharmacist what applies in BC. BC residents can also speak with a BC-licensed doctor by phone through Avee Health about their skin symptoms. A prescription is not guaranteed.
How long should I use mupirocin ointment?
The usual directions are to apply a small amount 3 times a day for up to 10 days, depending on the response. If the skin does not improve within 3 to 5 days, or gets worse, contact your doctor, because the infection may need a different treatment.
How do I apply mupirocin ointment?
Wash your hands, apply a small amount to the affected skin, and wash your hands again. Use it on the skin only. Keep it out of your eyes, do not use it inside the nose, and do not mix it with other creams or ointments.
Is Bactroban still sold in Canada?
Pharmacy information sources report that the Bactroban brand is no longer made for sale in Canada. Generic mupirocin 2% ointment is still sold, and it contains the same medicine.
Can I use mupirocin inside my nose or near my eyes?
No. The ointment is not suitable for use in the eyes or inside the nose. If a prescriber wants you to treat the nose, they will choose a product made for that use.
Is mupirocin safe with kidney problems or in pregnancy?
The ointment contains polyethylene glycol (PEG), which can be absorbed through open wounds and damaged skin, so it should not be used where large amounts could be absorbed, especially if you have kidney problems. If you are or may be pregnant, talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks.
What side effects can mupirocin cause?
Side effects are uncommon and mostly local, such as itching, burning or a rash where it was applied. Stop using it, wipe it off and contact a doctor if you get severe irritation or signs of an allergy such as swelling of the face or lips.
How much does mupirocin cost in Canada?
The price depends on the tube size and the pharmacy. Coverage varies by plan, so check with your pharmacy or insurer.
Written By
Avee Editorial

Avee Editorial

Avee Editorial Team