Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Bactroban

Generic Name: mupirocin nasal (Pronunciation: mue PIR oh sin)

• What is mupirocin nasal (Bactroban)?
• What are the possible side effects of mupirocin nasal (Bactroban)?
• What is the most important information I should know about mupirocin nasal (Bactroban)?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking mupirocin nasal (Bactroban)?
• How should I take mupirocin nasal (Bactroban)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Bactroban)?
• What happens if I overdose (Bactroban)?
• What should I avoid while taking mupirocin nasal (Bactroban)?
• What other drugs will affect mupirocin nasal (Bactroban)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is mupirocin nasal (Bactroban)?

Mupirocin is an antibiotic that treats or prevents infection caused by bacteria.

Mupirocin nasal (for the nose) is used to prevent severe staph infections in patients and healthcare workers who may be at risk of infection during an outbreak within a hospital or other healthcare setting.

Mupirocin nasal may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Bactroban Nasal

What are the possible side effects of mupirocin nasal (Bactroban)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using mupirocin nasal and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• severe burning or stinging of your nose;
• nosebleed; or
• severe burning or watering of your eyes.

Less serious side effects may include:

• dryness or unpleasant taste in your mouth;
• headache;
• ear pain;
• runny or stuffy nose;
• nausea, diarrhea;
• itching, mild skin rash;
• cough; or
• sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about mupirocin nasal (Bactroban)?

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.

Mupirocin nasal is usually given for 5 days. To best protect you from infection, use this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Mupirocin nasal will not treat or prevent a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Stop using mupirocin nasal and call your doctor at once if you have severe burning or stinging of your nose or eyes.

Do not use other nasal medications at the same time you apply mupirocin nasal.

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