From the FDA Drug Label
Pregnancy Teratogenic Effects. Pregnancy Category B: Reproduction studies have been performed in rats and rabbits with mupirocin administered subcutaneously at doses up to 22 and 43 times, respectively, the human topical dose (approximately 60 mg mupirocin per day) on a mg/m2 basis and revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus due to mupirocin. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women Because animal studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
Mupirocin ointment is classified as Pregnancy Category B, which means that while animal studies have shown no evidence of harm to the fetus, there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Therefore, mupirocin ointment should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed 1.
From the Research
Mupirocin ointment is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy, as it has minimal systemic absorption and is classified as FDA Pregnancy Category B, meaning animal studies have not shown risk to the fetus, and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women showing adverse effects. When applied topically as directed, very little of the medication is absorbed systemically, which further reduces any potential risk to the developing baby 2. Mupirocin is typically prescribed to treat bacterial skin infections such as impetigo, folliculitis, or small wounds infected with Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA) or Streptococcus species. The standard application is a small amount applied to the affected area three times daily for 5-10 days. It's essential to complete the full course of treatment even if symptoms improve quickly. If you're pregnant and need to use mupirocin, inform your healthcare provider about your pregnancy so they can monitor your condition appropriately. As with any medication during pregnancy, it should only be used when the potential benefits outweigh the possible risks. Some key points to consider when using mupirocin during pregnancy include:
- Mupirocin has excellent in vitro activity against staphylococci and most streptococci, making it an effective treatment for bacterial skin infections 3.
- The medication has minimal systemic absorption, reducing the risk of adverse effects on the developing baby 2.
- Mupirocin is generally well-tolerated, with local reactions occurring in less than 3% of patients, and are no more frequent than observed with the vehicle alone 3.
- It's crucial to follow the recommended dosage and treatment duration to ensure the best possible outcomes and minimize potential risks. In the context of the provided evidence, the most recent and relevant study supporting the safety of mupirocin during pregnancy is from 2, which highlights the importance of cautious use of topical dermatologic medications in pregnancy, while also acknowledging their relatively safer profile compared to oral or parenteral agents.