What are the dispensing instructions for mupirocin (Bactroban) for skin infections?

Dispensing Instructions for Mupirocin (Bactroban) for Skin Infections

For skin infections, mupirocin ointment should be applied to the affected area three times daily, and the area may be covered with a gauze dressing if desired. 1

Application Instructions

• Apply a small amount of mupirocin ointment to the affected area three times daily
• The treated area may be covered with a gauze dressing if desired
• Continue treatment until the infection has resolved
• Patients not showing clinical improvement within 3-5 days should be re-evaluated 1

Duration of Treatment

• Standard treatment duration is typically 7-14 days depending on the type and severity of infection
• For most superficial skin infections, 7-10 days of treatment is sufficient 2
• Continue treatment for at least 48 hours after the lesions have resolved

Specific Usage Scenarios

For Primary Skin Infections (e.g., impetigo)

• Apply a small amount directly to the affected area three times daily
• Clinical cure rates exceed 90% when used as directed 3
• Particularly effective for impetigo caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus species 4

For Secondary Skin Infections

• Apply to the wound area three times daily after appropriate cleaning
• Cover with sterile dressing if needed
• Efficacy comparable to oral antibiotics with fewer systemic side effects 5

For MRSA Decolonization

• For nasal decolonization: Apply to the inside of each nostril twice daily for 5-10 days 2
• Often used as part of a comprehensive decolonization protocol for recurrent MRSA infections
• Consider implementing additional hygiene measures during treatment:
  • Regular bathing with antiseptic soap
  • Daily washing of towels, sheets, and clothing
  • Avoiding sharing of personal items 2

Patient Education Points

• Wash hands thoroughly before and after application
• Keep the affected area clean and dry
• Avoid touching or scratching the infected area
• Complete the full course of treatment even if symptoms improve
• Do not use near eyes or mucous membranes unless specifically directed

Monitoring and Follow-up

• Evaluate clinical response within 3-5 days of starting treatment
• If no improvement is seen, reassess the diagnosis and consider alternative therapy 1
• For recurrent skin infections, consider a 5-day decolonization regimen with twice-daily intranasal mupirocin 2

Common Pitfalls and Caveats

• Mupirocin is for external use only
• Local side effects may include burning, stinging, pain, itching, or rash at the application site (occurs in <3% of patients) 6
• Prolonged or repeated use may lead to bacterial resistance
• Not recommended for large open wounds or extensive burns
• Should not be combined with other topical products on the same area unless specifically directed by a healthcare provider

Mupirocin's unique mechanism of action and excellent activity against gram-positive bacteria make it an effective topical option for treating superficial skin infections, with the advantage of delivering high drug concentrations directly to the site of infection while minimizing systemic exposure 4.