Mupirocin Ointment Instructions
Mupirocin ointment should be applied to the affected area 3 times daily for up to 10 days using a cotton swab or gauze pad. 1
Detailed Application Instructions
Basic Application
- Apply a small amount of mupirocin ointment to the affected area 3 times daily
- Use a cotton swab or gauze pad for application
- Treatment duration is up to 10 days
- Cover the treated area with a gauze dressing if desired 1
Important Precautions
- For topical use only - do not use in eyes, nose, or on other mucous membranes 1
- Do not apply concurrently with other lotions, creams, or ointments 1
- Re-evaluate patients not showing clinical response within 3-5 days 1
Specific Uses and Effectiveness
Mupirocin 2% ointment is FDA-approved for:
- Topical treatment of impetigo due to susceptible strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes 1
Clinical effectiveness:
- Highly effective for primary and secondary skin infections with >90% bacterial eradication rates 2
- Particularly effective for impetigo and infected wounds 3
- Comparable or superior to oral antibiotics like flucloxacillin and erythromycin in clinical studies 4
Special Considerations
For Limited Lesions
Mupirocin is particularly appropriate when treating a limited number of lesions, as noted in infectious disease guidelines 5.
For MRSA Decolonization
For patients with recurrent MRSA infections, mupirocin may be used as part of a decolonization protocol:
- Apply intranasally twice daily for 5-10 days
- Often combined with chlorhexidine body washes or dilute bleach baths 5
Pediatric Use
- Safe for use in children of all ages 5
- Particularly useful for minor skin infections like impetigo and secondarily infected skin lesions in children 5
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Inappropriate mucosal use: Mupirocin ointment is not formulated for mucosal surfaces. A separate nasal formulation exists for intranasal use 1
Prolonged use: Extended use beyond recommended duration may lead to microbial overgrowth including fungi 1
Concurrent application: Do not apply with other topical products as this may reduce effectiveness 1
Failure to monitor response: Re-evaluate if no improvement is seen within 3-5 days 1
Use in large open wounds: Polyethylene glycol in the ointment base can be absorbed from open wounds and damaged skin, which may be problematic in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment 1
Mupirocin has a unique structure and mechanism of action that makes cross-resistance less likely than with other topical antibiotics, making it particularly valuable for treating resistant organisms 6.