What is Mupirocin used for?
Mupirocin is an antibiotic or anti-bacterial drug which is used for some infections involving the skin. It is said to have bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects. Bacteriostatic means this particular drug has the ability to stunt the growth and development of bacteria present on the skin. Bactericidal meanwhile means its ability to kill or extinguish bacteria.

Impetigo is a common skin infection wherein Mupirocin may be used in topical form. The infection is usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. Mupirocin is also said to be effective in the treatment of MRSA or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Aside from impetigo, mupirocin may also be the ointment of choice for open wounds and skin infections like furuncles.

The use of mupirocin is not advised for use in prolonged periods because there is a tendency for an individual to gain resistance from this drug’s supposed effects. For proper treatment, an individual must consult with his/her physician to discuss the frequency of applying the ointment on the affected body part. Care must also be taken in terms of dosage and frequency as these should be well discussed with the person’s doctor or specialist. Stopping the intake of this antibiotic at an earlier time than prescribed may mean that the bacteria involve will mutate or continue to expand and grow. When this happens, a new bout of infection will occur.

Precautions must also be taken during the application of the mupirocin ointment to the face area. As with other topical products and drug ointments, the antibiotic must not reach the eyes, mouth, nose, and even on large parts of the wounded skin, unless otherwise requested and specified by the attending physician. If the skin infection does not seem to respond to mupirocin treatment in 3 or 5 days, one must consult with his/her doctor for alternative treatment options.

Common brand names of mupirocin include Centany and Bactroban. This antibiotic is developed by a company named Beecham.