Bactroban is a brand product that contains Mupirocin, which is a type of RNA synthetase inhibitor. Bactroban ointment is indicated to treat impetigo (a bacterial skin infection) due to Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes infection, while Bactroban nasal ointment is used to treat nasal infections of Staphylococcus aureus (including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA)).
Bactroban is available as an ointment for application on skin or to the nostril.
Wash your hands before and after applying this medication.
For impetigo, apply a small amount of ointment, with a cotton swab or gauze pad, to the affected areas 3 times daily for 10 days maximum. You can cover the treated area with gauze dressing if desired.
For nasal colonisation with Staphylococcus aureus, apply approximately one-half of the nasal ointment from the single-use tube into 1 nostril and the other half into the other nostril 2 times daily (morning and evening) for 5 days.
After application, close the nostrils by pressing together and releasing the sides of the nose repetitively for approximately 1 minute. This will spread the ointment throughout the nares. Discard the tube after usage and do not re-use.
Common side effects of Bactroban include stinging, dry skin and tenderness.
People who are allergic to Mupirocin or any component of the formulation.
Common dosing schedule:
Apply Bactroban ointment to the affected area 3 times daily for up to 10 days.
Apply approximately one-half of the Bactroban nasal ointment from a single-use tube to the inside surface at the front of each nostril 2 times a day (morning and evening) for 5 days.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Bactroban may interact with:
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Bactroban is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Bactroban in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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