Precautions of Bactroban Antibiotic Cream in Treating Skin Infections & Its Side Effects

Bactroban, also known as mupirocin, is an antibiotic that arrests the growth of bacteria on the skin. People use Bactroban topical (for use on the skin) for treating skin infections like impetigo (also called Staph).

It is recommended to use bactroban antibiotic cream in treating skin infections for the prescribed time by your physician or as recommended on the package. There is high possibility that your condition may improve before the infection is healed completely. Avoid applying it on your lips, mouth, around your eyes and nose. In case, the ointment gets in any of these areas, immediately wash it with cold water to avoid any harm.

You will find signs of improvement with 3-5 days. If your condition does not improve or is taking too long to get better or get worse, immediately see your doctor. A separate formulation, in the form of ointment (Bactroban nasal ointment) is available for nasal use

• If you are allergic to mupirocin, you Must Not use Bactroban antibiotic cream for treating skin infections.
• It is advisable not to use Bactroban on a child without any medical prescription. The cream should only be used on a child older than 3 months. Although, you can apply the ointment on a child as young as 2 months.
• It is still not known whether Bactroban is harmful during pregnancy or to an unborn child. If you are pregnant or about to get pregnant, ask your physician before you use this cream. Similarly, it’s unknown if mupirocin topical mixes with the breast-milk or if it can harm a nursing baby. If you are breast feeding a baby, take medical precautions to avoid any mishap or harm to your baby.

It is recommended to use bactroban antibiotic cream for treating skin infections exactly as instructed by your doctor. Ensure that you follow all the directions mentioned on the prescription label. Do not use this medicine in inappropriate quantities or for longer period than recommended.

Bactroban is strictly for use only on the skin. Do not take it by your mouth. In case, the cream or the ointment gets in your mouth, eyes or nose, rinse with water. Apply Bactroban only with clean hands; wash hands before applying.

Clean and dry the affected skin area on your body. You can use a gauze pad or a cotton swab for applying small amount of Bactroban ointment or cream.

• Do not apply Bactroban over large skin areas.
• Ensure that you use only steriled gauze pad for covering the treated area. Don’t cover the treated area using a bandage or plastic wrap that restricts air circulation.
• Usually, the cream or the ointment is applied 3 times per day for 10 days. If your condition gets worse and doesn’t improve within 3-5 days, call doctor immediately.
• It is important to use this medicine for the full prescribed time period. If you skip doses, there is chance that the infection may worsen.
• Keep Bactroban cream away from heat and moisture. Store at room temperature. When not in use, keep the medicine tube closed tightly.

Get emergency medical help immediately if there are signs of allergic reactions like hives, swelling of your face, tongue, throat or lips.

Other Side Effects of Bactyroban or Signs of Allergic Reactions Include:

• Diarrhea that is watery or contains blood; severe stomach ache.
• Dryness, itching, redness or other irritation on the treated area.
• Unusual skin peeling or blistering can be aside effect of Bactroban.
• Any new skin infection.
• Headache, nausea or rashes are common side effects of Bactroban.

It is very unlikely that any other drug that you intake orally or via injection will have any effect on mupirocin applied topically. But there drugs might interact with each other, so tell your doctor about all the medications you take including herbal products, vitamins and over the counter medicines.