Mupirocin is an antibiotic which is used to treat skin infections. It belongs to a family of topical antibacterials that inhibit bacteria growth. However, it is not effective in treating fungal or viral infections.
Role in medicine
Mupirocin is used to treat impetigo, a bacterial skin infection, by killing the germs at the source of the sickness. It also eliminates Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pyogenes strains to prevent bacteria from growing. It is sometimes used in combination with other medications.
How is it administered?
Mupirocin is available as an ointment that is safe for skin use. First, the affected area should be cleaned and dried. Then, as prescribed by the doctor, apply a tiny quantity of ointment to the affected area thrice daily. Even if the symptoms disappear, take the medication for the whole duration as advised. Interrupting the medication may result in the reappearance of the infection.
Unless otherwise advised by your doctor, avoid taking this medicine over the nose, eyes, mouth, or broken skin. It should be thoroughly washed with water if it goes into the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Side Effects
In the administration of Mupirocin, it is advised to call for medical attention in case of:
- Burning, itching, rash, redness, or swelling of the treated skin are some of the more typical side effects of Mupirocin.
- Some severe side effects may include persistent diarrhoea caused by an infection with the bacterium Clostridium difficile, sometimes known as C. difficile. In the event of an emergency, medical help will be necessary.
Conditions for safe use
The dose, medication form, and frequency of administration are determined by:
- Your age,
- The illness being treated,
- The severity of your ailment,
- Any other medical issues you may have,
- Your response to the initial dosage.
Precautions & warnings
When the medication is applied, it might produce a severe allergic response. Among the symptoms are:
- Swelling of your throat or tongue,
- Body rash,
- Chest tightness,
- Pale or flushed skin on your face or body (warm and red)
- A panic episode or the fear that something horrible will happen
If an allergic response occurs, the medicine should not be taken, and it is a potentially lethal condition.
Guidelines for safe use
Mupirocin must be used according to the following guidelines.
- If you skip a dosage or do not take the prescription on time, the medication may not function as effectively or stop working entirely. Resistance may develop in the microorganisms being treated by this antibiotic, and it indicates that your treatment will no longer be effective in killing the germs.
- For this medicine to be effective, a particular quantity must constantly be present at the site of infection.
- Concerning excessive use: The germs being treated by this antibiotic may acquire resistance, indicating that the treatment will no longer be effective in killing the germs. Call your doctor if you have used too much of this medication.
- If you miss a dosage, apply it as soon as you recall, considerably before the following dose.
- How to know if the medication is effective: Within 3 to 5 days of using this medication, the infection should begin to clear.
Dosage
Dosage for adults (ages 18 years and older): The typical dosage is a modest quantity of the ointment applied to the affected area three times daily for up to ten days.
Dosage for children (ages two months to 17 years):
A tiny amount of the ointment should be applied to the affected skin area three times daily for up to ten days.
Dosage for children (ages 0–1 month):
This medicine has not yet been researched in children under two months.
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Disclaimer
Shubham Pharmachem’s blog posts have been written with the information gathered from approved medical journals and websites online. Our research and technical teams strive to provide relevant information through such articles. We strongly advise readers not to consume or administer medication without their doctor’s prior consultation.
References:
- https://www.healthline.com/health/mupirocin-topical-ointment#about
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-6180/mupirocin-topical/details
