Mupirocin (Mupiderm®) is an antibiotic used locally to treat certain bacterial infections. What infections? Impetigo? How does she act? Is a prescription needed? What are its side effects and contraindications?
What is mupirocin?
Mupirocin is a naturally occurring antibiotic produced by the bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens. It is presented in the form of ointment possessing a bactericidal property (kills bacteria).
This molecule has a action on Staphylococcus aureus (staphylococcus aureus) and beta-hemolytic streptococci. Its mode of action is characterized by its binding to an enzyme of the target bacterium (isoleucyl t-RNA synthetase) to block the production of bacterial proteins.
Indications: what is mupirocin used for?
Mupirocin in ointment is frequently used to treat skin infections caused by staphylococcus or streptococcus as impetigo or dermatosis impetiginized. The application of the antibiotic to the lesions must be associated with careful cleansing with soapy water. On the other hand, the use of local antiseptics is not recommended. If the bacterial infection is extensive, an oral antibiotic will be administered in addition ointment. An extensive skin infection is characterized by a set of more than 6 identifiable lesions or skin involvement greater than 2% of the total body surface, i.e. the equivalent of two palms of the hand. In this indication, mupirocin is the only local antibiotic recommended. It replaces fusidic acid (cream or ointment) which is no longer recommended due to too many cases of bacterial resistance. Only an intolerance and a contraindication to mupirocin justify use of fusidic acid. Mupirocin under form of nasal ointment presents two less frequently encountered indications:
- decontamination of Staphylococcus nasal carriage aureus in case of recurrent skin infections
- prevention of Staphylococcus auto-infections aureus in patients on hemodialysis
What is the trade name of mupirocin?
There are two commercial specialties based on mupirocin:
- Mupiderm® 2%
- Bactroban® 2%
Several generics of Mupiderm® are also available.
In what form is mupirocin found?
Mupirocin only comes in the form of skin ointment (Mupiderm®) and nasal ointment (Bactroban®). Its administration orally or by injection would have no antibacterial efficacy due to its rapid destruction. It is for this reason that it is only intended for local use.
Is mupirocin available with or without a prescription?
This local antibiotic is only available on presentation of a medical prescription.
What are the side effects of mupirocin?
Mupirocin can causehives, rash, itching, stinging, burning or even a severe allergic reaction. These side effects rarely occur. In the event of a local reaction, the patient should immediately discontinue treatment and consult a doctor as soon as possible.
What are the contraindications of mupirocin?
Mupirocin is contraindicated in case of allergy to any component of the drug. Also, she must not be administered via the ophthalmic route. The ointment should not be mixed with other products at the risk of being diluted and reducing its activity against bacteria. This molecule is not contraindicated during pregnancy. More specifically, the drug Mupiderm® should not be applied to the breasts of a breastfeeding woman in case of breast infections. Moreover, his administration intranasally is strictly prohibited. It is intended exclusively for application to the skin. Due to the risk of bacterial resistance, this ointment should not be used long term and in case of extensive dermatoses (affecting more than 20% of the body surface).
Sources: Vidal / Antibioclic