Bactroban is a widely used prescription antibiotic for the skin. Its active ingredient, mupirocin, targets bacteria that commonly cause superficial skin infections—especially Staphylococcus aureus (including many MRSA strains) and Streptococcus species. It’s available as a 2% ointment, a 2% cream, and a 2% nasal ointment designed specifically for decolonizing bacteria inside the nose.
In this clear, patient-friendly guide, you’ll learn what Bactroban is, how it works, when doctors prescribe it, how to use it correctly, possible side effects, safety tips, and answers to the most searched questions (price, over-the-counter status, cream vs ointment, nasal use, and more).
Quick disclaimer: This article is for education only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always follow your clinician’s instructions.
What Is Bactroban?
Bactroban is the brand name for mupirocin, a topical antibiotic. Unlike many skin antibiotics, mupirocin has a unique mechanism and shows strong activity against gram-positive bacteria that drive common skin infections such as impetigo, small infected cuts/abrasions, or infected eczema.
Bactroban comes in three main forms:
- Bactroban 2% Ointment: Petroleum/PEG base; used on skin infections.
- Bactroban 2% Cream: Cream base; used on skin infections, often preferred for moist or weeping areas.
- Bactroban 2% Nasal Ointment: A paraffin-based product formulated for the inside of the nose to reduce or eliminate nasal carriage of S. aureus (including MRSA). Do not substitute regular ointment or cream in the nose.
How Does Bactroban Work?
Mupirocin blocks bacterial protein synthesis by inhibiting isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase, an enzyme bacteria need to build proteins.
- At usual concentrations it is bacteriostatic (stops growth).
- At higher local concentrations it becomes bactericidal (kills bacteria).
Because it targets a specific bacterial enzyme rarely affected by other antibiotics, mupirocin is effective even when some bacteria have developed resistance to other topical agents.
Common Uses of Bactroban
Doctors prescribe Bactroban for a range of mild to moderate, superficial bacterial skin infections:
- Impetigo
Crusted or oozing sores (often around nose/mouth) caused by Staph or Strep. Bactroban is a standard topical option, including in children. - Secondary Infection of Minor Skin Injuries
Small cuts, abrasions, sutured wounds, or infected eczema patches. (Not for deep, large, or severe wounds—seek clinical care.) - Folliculitis and Small Localized Furuncles
When a clinician believes topical therapy is appropriate. - MRSA Decolonization (Nasal Ointment)
Short courses of Bactroban Nasal are used to eradicate nasal carriage of S. aureus, including MRSA, particularly before certain surgeries or during outbreaks in hospitals/communities. This reduces the risk of self-infection and transmission.
Not for fungal or viral infections. Mupirocin doesn’t treat ringworm, athlete’s foot, yeast infections, cold sores, or shingles. Using it for non-bacterial problems can delay proper treatment.
Bactroban Dosage and Administration
Your exact regimen is set by your clinician. Typical directions are:
Skin Ointment or Cream (2%)
- Adults & Children: Apply a small, thin layer to the affected area 3 times daily (every ~8 hours) for up to 5–10 days, or as directed.
- The area may be covered with a sterile dressing or gauze if your clinician recommends it.
- If there’s no improvement in 3–5 days, or if the area worsens, contact your healthcare provider.
Nasal Ointment (2%)
- Adults & children as directed by a clinician: Apply a small amount (about a match-head sized dab) to the inside of each nostril twice daily for 5 days.
- After applying, press and release the sides of your nose several times to spread the ointment.
- Do not use regular skin ointment or cream in the nose—use only the nasal formula.
Step-by-Step Application Tips (Skin)
- Wash hands with soap and water.
- Gently clean the affected skin with mild soap and water; pat dry.
- Apply a thin film of Bactroban; avoid rubbing forcefully.
- Do not mix with other creams/lotions on the same spot unless your clinician instructs you—mixing can dilute the antibiotic and reduce effectiveness.
- Wash hands again.
- Use for the full prescribed course, even if the area looks better in a day or two.
Important: Avoid contact with eyes. If it happens, rinse thoroughly with water. Do not swallow.
Side Effects of Bactroban
Most people tolerate mupirocin well. When side effects occur, they are usually mild and limited to the application site.
Common (usually mild)
- Burning, stinging, or itching where applied
- Redness, dryness, or tenderness
- Headache or altered taste (more often with nasal use)
Less Common but Important
- Allergic reactions / contact dermatitis: spreading rash, severe itching, hives, swelling—stop use and seek medical advice.
- Superinfection: overgrowth of organisms not susceptible to mupirocin (including fungi) can occur with prolonged use—see your clinician if the area changes character or spreads.
Severe systemic reactions are very rare because topical absorption is minimal when used on small areas of intact skin as directed.
Warnings and Precautions
- Use exactly as prescribed. Do not exceed the duration or apply to large body areas unless told to do so.
- Polyethylene glycol (PEG) base caution: The standard skin ointment contains PEG. On large, open wounds or in significant renal impairment, PEG can be absorbed—your clinician will choose the right product and coverage.
- Do not use in eyes or inside the mouth. Only the nasal product is meant for the nose.
- Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Minimal systemic absorption makes topical mupirocin generally low risk when used appropriately. Discuss with your clinician. If applying near the nipple, clean the area before breastfeeding.
- Children: Widely used for impetigo and minor infections in pediatrics; dosing and duration are clinician-directed.
- Antibiotic stewardship: Avoid unnecessary or prolonged use to reduce the risk of bacterial resistance.
Drug and Product Interactions
- Systemic drug interactions are unlikely due to low absorption.
- Topical interactions: Mixing Bactroban with other creams/ointments at the same site can dilute the antibiotic and reduce its activity. If you need a moisturizer or steroid cream, ask your clinician about separating application times or areas.
- Nasal decolonization regimens are often combined with chlorhexidine or other antiseptic body washes under medical supervision—follow the exact protocol given.
Bactroban vs. Other Topical Antibiotics
- Mechanism: Mupirocin’s target (isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase) is unique, which helps in cases where bacteria resist other topical agents.
- Coverage: Excellent activity against Staph (including many MRSA strains) and Strep, making it ideal for impetigo and localized staphylococcal infections.
- When alternatives may be used: If infections are extensive, deep, recurrent, or accompanied by fever, clinicians often use oral antibiotics or different topical agents based on local resistance patterns and culture results.
Cost, Availability & “Over the Counter” Status
- Generic mupirocin (2% ointment and 2% cream) is widely available and typically less expensive than brand-name Bactroban.
- Prices vary by country, pharmacy, and insurance or discount programs. Generics usually make treatment affordable for short courses.
- In many regions (including the U.S., U.K., Australia), mupirocin is prescription-only. Some countries have different rules—check local regulations and avoid buying from unverified sources online.
Special Section: Cream vs. Ointment vs. Nasal Ointment
- Bactroban Ointment (skin):
Best for dry, scaly, or crusted lesions and when a protective, occlusive layer helps. Often preferred for impetigo. - Bactroban Cream (skin):
Spreads easily and may feel more comfortable on moist, weeping, or flexural areas. Either cream or ointment can be effective depending on the site and your clinician’s preference. - Bactroban Nasal Ointment:
A specific formula for intranasal use in **MRSA/**Staph decolonization. Do not swap in the skin ointment or cream.
Proper Wound Care with Bactroban
- Use Bactroban on small, superficial, infected wounds as instructed by your clinician.
- For deep puncture wounds, animal bites, large burns, or extensive skin loss, seek medical evaluation—these typically need different care and sometimes systemic antibiotics.
- Keep the area clean and dry, and avoid picking at crusts to prevent spreading infection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is Bactroban the same as mupirocin?
Yes. Bactroban is the brand; mupirocin is the generic name and active ingredient.
Q2. Is Bactroban available over the counter?
In most countries, no—it’s prescription-only. Policies differ by region; consult a local pharmacist or clinician.
Q3. Can I use Bactroban for fungal infections?
No. Bactroban is an antibacterial. It does not treat fungi (e.g., ringworm, yeast). Using it for a fungal problem can delay correct therapy.
Q4. Bactroban ointment vs cream—which should I choose?
Both contain 2% mupirocin and treat similar skin infections. Ointment may suit dry/crusted lesions; cream may suit moist areas. Follow your clinician’s advice.
Q5. How long does it take to work?
Many people see improvement in 2–3 days. Complete the full course (often up to 5–10 days) unless your clinician changes the plan.
Q6. Can I use Bactroban on open wounds?
It’s commonly used on minor open lesions (e.g., impetigo erosions). For large or deep wounds, or if you have kidney problems, your clinician will guide product choice and duration—especially since the ointment base contains PEG.
Q7. Is Bactroban good for nasal infections or sinusitis?
The nasal ointment is not for treating sinusitis; it’s for decolonizing Staph in the nose. For sinus infections, seek medical evaluation.
Q8. Can I apply Bactroban to acne or pimples?
Not routinely. Acne is a complex condition; spot-treating with antibiotics can promote resistance. Use acne-specific treatments unless your clinician instructs otherwise.
Q9. What if I miss a dose?
Apply it as soon as you remember, then continue the schedule. If it’s nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Don’t double-apply.
Q10. How should I store Bactroban?
Keep the tube tightly closed at room temperature away from heat and sunlight. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children, and don’t share your tube with others.
Q11. What about price?
Costs vary widely by country and pharmacy. Generic mupirocin is typically inexpensive for a short course. Ask about discount programs or price-matching if needed.
Q12. Can I use Bactroban with a steroid cream?
Sometimes clinicians prescribe both (for infected eczema, for example). Don’t mix them on the finger; instead, apply as directed—often separated by time or to different layers (e.g., steroid first, wait, then mupirocin). Follow your prescriber’s plan.
Final Thoughts
Bactroban (mupirocin) is a dependable, targeted topical antibiotic that shines against common bacterial skin infections and plays a key role in MRSA nasal decolonization. When used correctly—thin layer, short course, right product for the site—it’s well tolerated and highly effective.
To get the best results:
- Confirm the problem is bacterial, not fungal or viral.
- Follow the prescribed schedule and avoid unnecessary prolonged use.
- Recheck with your clinician if there’s no improvement in a few days, if the area spreads, or if you develop a rash or severe irritation.
Used wisely, Bactroban helps clear infections quickly while preserving antibiotic effectiveness for the future.
