Health Centres - Bactroban Nasal
How does it work?
Mupirocin is an antibacterial medicine that is used topically (on the skin).
What is it used for?
- Bacterial skin infections
- Eradication of Staphylococcal bacteria from the nostrils to prevent and treat infection
Warning!
- Avoid contact with eyes
- Avoid prolonged use.
- The skin ointment, but not the nasal preparation, contains polythylene glycol.
Polythylene glycol can be absorbed from open wounds and damaged skin and is excreted by the kidneys. Use with caution in moderate or severe kidney impairment.
Not to be used in
- Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient
This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.
- The safety of this medicine during pregnancy has not been established. The manufacturer therefore advises that it should be avoided during pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
- There is no information available about the safety of this medicine during breastfeeding. For this reason, the manufacturer states that it should not be used during breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
Side effects
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
- Skin irritation
- Stinging on application
- Itching (pruritis)
The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.
How can this medicine affect other medicines?
There are no known interactions with other medicines.

