Yes, a patient can safely take Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate) and mupirocin together.
These medications are routinely used in combination for skin and soft tissue infections, particularly when treating staphylococcal infections, and there are no known drug interactions between them. 1, 2
Clinical Evidence Supporting Concurrent Use
The IDSA guidelines explicitly list both amoxicillin-clavulanate (oral) and mupirocin ointment (topical) as treatment options for impetigo and other skin infections, with no contraindications to their combined use 1. For pediatric patients with minor skin infections, mupirocin 2% topical ointment is specifically recommended and can be used alongside systemic antibiotics when indicated 2.
Synergistic Activity
Research demonstrates that mupirocin and amoxicillin-clavulanate actually show synergistic activity against staphylococci, including methicillin-resistant strains. In vitro studies found synergy in 18% of tested staphylococcal strains, with time-kill assays showing enhanced bacterial killing when the two agents were combined 3. This suggests potential therapeutic benefits rather than any antagonism.
Real-World Clinical Practice
A 2023 study of pediatric staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome demonstrated favorable outcomes when intravenous amoxicillin-clavulanate was combined with topical 2% mupirocin ointment, with shorter treatment courses and lower costs compared to other antibiotic regimens 4. This confirms the safety and efficacy of this combination in actual clinical practice.
No Drug Interactions
The FDA labeling for Augmentin lists specific drug interactions to monitor (probenecid, oral anticoagulants, allopurinol, oral contraceptives) but makes no mention of mupirocin 5. Since mupirocin is applied topically with minimal systemic absorption, pharmacokinetic interactions are not expected.
Practical Considerations
- Route of administration: Augmentin is taken orally while mupirocin is applied topically to skin lesions, minimizing any potential interaction
- Timing: Augmentin should be taken every 12 hours with food to reduce GI upset 5; mupirocin is applied to lesions twice daily 1
- Common side effects: Monitor for diarrhea with Augmentin (occurs in ~13% of patients) 5; mupirocin is generally well-tolerated topically
The combination is not only safe but represents standard evidence-based practice for treating bacterial skin infections.