Mupirocin Calcium, Intranasal

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antibiotic

Generic and brand names: mupirocin calcium, intranasal; Bactroban Nasal

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is an ointment applied to the nostrils to kill certain bacteria (germs) called Staphylococcus aureus. It is used by healthcare workers and people who are staying in hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities to prevent the bacteria from spreading to other patients and workers. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any medicine.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

This medicine comes in single-use tubes and is applied to the nostrils.

Wash your hands before and after applying this medicine. After applying the ointment to both nostrils, gently press together and release the sides of your nose several times for about a minute. This gentle massage of the nose will spread the ointment in your nostrils. Throw out the tube after applying the ointment to both nostrils.

What should I watch out for?

Keep the ointment out of your eyes because it can cause severe irritation. If you accidentally get some ointment in your eyes, rinse them with plenty of cool water. If the irritation continues, call your healthcare provider.

Check with your healthcare provider before using any other medicine in your nose while using this medicine.

If you develop any irritation in or around your nostrils, stop using the ointment and call your healthcare provider.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Severe irritation in or around your nostrils.

Other: Headache, runny nose, dizziness, sore throat, chest congestion, cough, change in sense of taste, itching, burning.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.