Bactroban Cream (Mupirocin Calcium)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Bactroban Cream Used For?
Bactroban cream contains mupirocin calcium, an antibiotic that works by killing bacteria that cause infections. It’s specifically designed for treating small wounds that have become infected.
Primary Uses
Bactroban cream is used to treat small infected wounds including small cuts, abrasions, and stitches. It’s for use on your skin only.
How It Works
Mupirocin calcium belongs to a group of medicines called antibiotics. Antibiotics work by killing bacteria which can cause infection.
Good to know: There is no evidence that Bactroban cream is addictive.
How to Take Bactroban Cream
Always follow your doctor’s instructions about how and when to use Bactroban cream. The instructions from your doctor may differ from general recommendations.
Dosage Instructions
The usual recommendation is for a small amount to be applied to the affected area three times a day for up to 10 days. Always wash your hands before and after applying. Use a piece of clean cotton wool or gauze swab to apply a small quantity to cover the affected area. You may cover the treated area with a sterile bandage or gauze dressing unless your doctor has told you to leave it uncovered.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you forget an application, apply some Bactroban cream as soon as you remember, then continue as before.
Important: Do not use a double dose to make up for the dose you missed. Take the full course of treatment – do not stop early as your symptoms may disappear before the infection is fully treated.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- itching
- redness
- stinging of the skin
- headache
- nausea
- diarrhoea
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- allergic reactions such as rash, hives or swelling
- wheezing
- swelling of the lips/mouth
- difficulty in breathing
- hayfever
- lumpy rash (hives)
- fainting
- inflammation of the colon (large intestine)
- diarrhoea with blood and mucous
- stomach pain
- fever
Important Warnings
There are important safety considerations before using Bactroban cream. Make sure to discuss your medical history with your doctor.
Who Should Not Take Bactroban Cream
Do not use if you are allergic to mupirocin calcium or any of the ingredients. Do not use if the expiry date has passed or if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering. Do not use if you have large areas of broken or damaged skin in the treatment area, especially if you suffer from reduced kidney function.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Check with your doctor if you have any allergies to foods, dyes, preservatives or any other medicine, or if you take any medicines for any other condition.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed. If you are using Bactroban cream on a cracked nipple, wash the nipple well before breastfeeding your baby.
Children: The use of Bactroban cream in children under two years of age is not recommended.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription.
Important: Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins or supplements you are taking and if these affect Bactroban cream.
- Do not mix Bactroban cream with any other preparation as this may prevent Bactroban cream from working
Alcohol & Driving
Keep the cream away from your eyes, nose or mouth unless directed by your doctor. If Bactroban cream is accidentally applied to the eyes, wash the eyes thoroughly with water.
Special Precautions
Do not use Bactroban cream to treat infections in or near the eyes, nostrils or mouth unless directed by your doctor. Do not use near tubes inserted into your body for the delivery or removal of fluid (cannulae).
Storage
Store Bactroban cream in the original packaging below 25°C. Do not freeze the cream. Do not leave in a car, on a window sill, or in the bathroom. Keep it where young children cannot reach it. A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.
Overdose Information
If you think that you have used too much Bactroban cream, or have swallowed it accidentally, you may need urgent medical attention. You should immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (by calling 13 11 26 in Australia), or contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital. You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bactroban cream is usually applied three times a day for up to 10 days. It’s important to take the full course as symptoms may disappear before the infection is fully treated.
No, there is no evidence that Bactroban cream is addictive.
Do not use Bactroban cream to treat infections in or near the eyes, nostrils or mouth unless directed by your doctor.
If you forget an application, apply some Bactroban cream as soon as you remember, then continue as before. Do not use a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits with you.
Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed. If using on a cracked nipple, wash the nipple well before breastfeeding your baby.
The use of Bactroban cream in children under two years of age is not recommended.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.