From the Guidelines
Mupirocin should be used for 5-10 days for nasal decolonization of MRSA, as recommended by the Infectious Diseases Society of America 1. The use of mupirocin for nasal decolonization is a common practice, and the recommended duration of treatment is 5-10 days, applied twice daily inside each nostril. This is based on guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Society of America, which suggest that decolonization strategies, including nasal decolonization with mupirocin, may be effective in reducing the risk of recurrent MRSA infections 1. Some key points to consider when using mupirocin include:
- Apply a small amount inside each nostril twice daily for 5-10 days
- Complete the full course of treatment, even if symptoms improve before finishing
- Avoid getting the medication in your eyes
- Wash your hands before and after application to prevent spreading infection It's also important to note that mupirocin can be used in combination with other decolonization strategies, such as topical antiseptics like chlorhexidine and diluted bleach baths, as suggested by the Infectious Diseases Society of America 1. However, the most recent and highest quality study recommends a 5-day decolonization regimen twice daily of intranasal mupirocin, daily chlorhexidine washes, and daily decontamination of personal items such as towels, sheets, and clothes for recurrent S. aureus infection 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
A small amount of mupirocin ointment should be applied to the affected area three times daily. The area treated may be covered with a gauze dressing if desired. Patients not showing a clinical response within 3 to 5 days should be re-evaluated. CLINICAL STUDIES The efficacy of topical mupirocin ointment in impetigo was tested in two studies. In the first, patients with impetigo were randomized to receive either mupirocin ointment or vehicle placebo t.i. d. for 8 to 12 days. The recommended duration of use for mupirocin is:
- 8 to 12 days as stated in the clinical studies 2 and 2 Key points:
- Patients should be re-evaluated if no clinical response is seen within 3 to 5 days
- Treatment duration may vary depending on the clinical response of the patient
From the Research
Duration of Mupirocin Use
- The ideal duration of mupirocin use is not explicitly stated in the provided studies, but its efficacy in treating skin infections and eradicating nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus is well-documented 3, 4, 5.
- Mupirocin 2% ointment has been applied 2 or 3 times daily, with treatment lasting around 9 days on average 5.
- The effectiveness of mupirocin in preventing staphylococcal infection is currently being evaluated, and its role in decolonization protocols is being reassessed due to emerging resistance 6, 7.
- It is essential to note that the development of resistance to mupirocin can reduce its effectiveness, and the optimal duration of use may need to be adjusted accordingly 6, 7.
Factors Influencing Duration of Use
- The type and severity of the infection being treated can influence the duration of mupirocin use.
- The emergence of resistance to mupirocin, particularly in MRSA strains, may impact the effectiveness of treatment and require alternative approaches 6, 7.
- The use of mupirocin in combination with other treatments or as part of a broader infection control strategy may also affect the duration of use 3, 4.