Bactroban

Apply a small amount of the ointment or cream to the affected area 3 times daily for up to 10 days, depending on the response. You can cover the area treated with a gauze dressing. If your condition worsens or irritation occurs, call your doctor. If Bactroban (Mupirocin) is used on the face, take care to avoid the eyes.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to use Bactroban (Mupirocin) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Bactroban (Mupirocin) at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some adverse effects, notably: occasionally, it may cause stinging and/or itching; when used, it may cause a temporary burning sensation; it may cause local redness. Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing adverse effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

Ointment
Each gram of ointment contains Bactroban (Mupirocin) 20 mg (2%) in a bland water-soluble ointment base. Nonmedicinal ingredients: polyethylene glycol 400 and Polyethylene Glycol 3350 (polyethylene glycol ointment, USP).

Cream
Bactroban (Mupirocin) is available as a 2% topical cream and has a white-to-off-white colour. Each gram of cream contains 21.5 mg of Bactroban (Mupirocin) calcium in an oil and water-based emulsion. Nonmedicinal ingredients: benzyl alcohol, cetomacrogol 1000, cetyl alcohol, mineral oil, phenoxyethanol, purified water, stearyl alcohol, and xanthan gum.

Do not use Bactroban (Mupirocin) if you are allergic to Bactroban (Mupirocin) or any ingredients of the medication.

Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. In many cases, interactions are intended or are managed by close monitoring. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Bactroban (Mupirocin).

Diarrhea: Although less common with antibiotics applied to the skin, people using Bactroban (Mupirocin) may develop diarrhea caused by an infection with the bacteria C. difficile. If you have loose, watery, and bloody bowel movements, with or without Fever, or stomach cramps after using clindamycin topical solution, get medical attention as soon as possible. Diarrhea caused by C. difficile infection can lead to serious health problems if it is not properly treated.

Ointment caution: Polyethylene glycol (PEG) can be absorbed from open wounds and damaged skin. It is removed from the body by the kidneys. As with other PEG-based ointments, Bactroban (Mupirocin) ointment should not be used in conditions where absorption of large quantities of PEG is possible, especially in people with known kidney problems.

Overgrowth of organisms: Use of Bactroban (Mupirocin) occasionally allows the overgrowth of organisms not killed by the medication. If your condition worsens or does not improve in the expected time, call your doctor.

Pregnancy: The safety of Bactroban (Mupirocin) for the treatment of infections during pregnancy is unknown. If you are or may be pregnant, talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of using Bactroban (Mupirocin).

Breast-feeding: If you are breast-feeding, talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of using Bactroban (Mupirocin).

If you are using Bactroban (Mupirocin) to treat a cracked nipple, your doctor may advise you to use a breast pump to pump the milk from the affected breast while you are using Bactroban (Mupirocin). The milk from the affected breast should be discarded.

This medication is to be applied on the skin. To use: Clean the affected area. Apply a small quantity, and limit the application to the affected area. Wash your hands after applying the medication - unless, obviously, you applied the medication on your hands! This medication is typically used 3 times a day. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Continue applying the product to complete the prescribed course of treatment, even after improvement is seen or felt. Important: Follow the instructions on the label. Do not use more of this product, or more often, than prescribed.