Bactroban 2% Nasal Ointment

What is Bactroban 2% Nasal Ointment?

Bactroban Nasal Ointment is a topical antibiotic ointment designed specifically to treat infections of the nostrils and surrounding areas, such as impetigo.

What is Bactroban 2% Nasal Ointment used for?

Mupirocin is commonly used to treat skin conditions such as impetigo (a contagious bacterial skin infection), folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles), and certain types of wound infections. It is essential to follow the prescribed course of treatment and use mupirocin as directed by a healthcare provider to ensure that the infection is properly treated, and to help prevent the development of antibiotic resistance. If the infection does not improve with mupirocin or worsens, consult with a healthcare professional for further evaluation and treatment.

How does Bactroban 2% Nasal Ointment work?

Mupirocin is an antibiotic medication used topically to treat bacterial skin infections. It is particularly effective against a variety of gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus (including methicillin-resistant strains, or MRSA) and Streptococcus pyogenes. Mupirocin works through the following mechanisms:

Mupirocin works by interfering with bacterial protein synthesis, a crucial process for bacteria to grow and reproduce. Specifically, it inhibits the activity of an enzyme called isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase, which is responsible for incorporating the amino acid isoleucine into bacterial proteins. By blocking this enzyme, mupirocin prevents the bacteria from producing essential proteins, ultimately disrupting their ability to function and multiply.

How quickly does Bactroban 2% Nasal ointment work?

The exact timing of results may also depend on factors such as the severity of nasal colonization, underlying medical conditions, and the individual's response to the treatment. It's essential to use Bactroban Nasal Ointment precisely as prescribed by your healthcare provider to maximize its effectiveness and minimize the risk of antibiotic resistance.

Most people with simple nasal infections will find that the condition is treated in around 5 days. If you have found that it has not worked within this time please contact a doctor for further advice as they may wish to take a swab for culture.

Alternatives to Bactroban 2% Nasal Ointment

There are a range of alternative treatments for skin infections including in and around the nostrils. The main ones are alternative topical antibiotics such as Fucidin.

If the infection is particularly severe a doctor may recommend oral antibiotics may be prescribed to treat nasal colonization of bacteria, especially if the bacteria are causing recurrent infections or pose a more serious health risk. The choice of antibiotics will depend on the type of bacteria and the patient's medical history.

Bactroban 2% Nasal Ointment or Bactroban cream?

These can be used somewhat interchangeably as they both contain the same active medicine. Bactroban 2% Nasal Ointment: This formulation is specifically designed for nasal use, though as often with creams or ointments the choice is influenced by personal preference.

Sources

• Patient Information Leaflet
• https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drug/mupirocin.html
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/impetigo/
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/folliculitis/symptoms-causes.
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/...

How to use Bactroban 2% Nasal Ointment

Using this medicine You usually apply Bactroban to your nose two to three times a day.

1. Wash and dry your hands
2. Place a small amount of Bactroban, about the size of a match head, on your little finger
3. Apply this to the inside of one nostril
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for your other nostril
5. Press the sides of your nose together to spread the ointment around the nostril.
6. Replace the cap on the tube and wash your hands

A cotton bud can be used instead of your little finger to apply the ointment should you wish.

Bactroban 2% Nasal Ointment side effects

Bactroban Nasal Ointment 2% (mupirocin) is generally considered safe when used as directed. However, like all medications, it can have potential side effects. Common side effects are usually mild and may include:

1. Nasal Irritation: Some people may experience mild irritation or burning in the nostrils when using Bactroban Nasal Ointment. This is a relatively common side effect.
2. Headache: Headache can occur as a side effect, although it is not very common.
3. Runny Nose: Some individuals may experience a runny or stuffy nose while using the ointment. This is usually temporary and subsides after discontinuing the medication.

Less common, but more serious side effects may include an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms, discontinue use and seek immediate medical attention.

Bactroban 2% Nasal Ointment ingredients

The active ingredient in Bactroban is: Each gram contains 20 mg of mupirocin.

The other ingredients are: White soft paraffin and Softisan 649

Bactroban Nasal Ointment warnings

This treatment is extremely well tolerated and almost anyone can use it to help their infection. Though you should review these warnings before use:

• If you are allergic to mupirocin or any of the ingredients in Bactroban Nasal Ointment, you should not use this medication. Signs of an allergic reaction may include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms, discontinue use and seek immediate medical attention.
• Avoid contact with the eyes. If contaminated, the eyes should be thoroughly irrigated with water until the ointment residues have been removed.
• As with other antibacterial products, prolonged use may result in overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms.
• Prolonged or repeated use of Bactroban Nasal Ointment may lead to the growth of non-susceptible bacteria or fungi. If a secondary infection or superinfection occurs, discontinue use and consult your healthcare provider.

Bactroban in pregnancy & breastfeeding

Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before using this product if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.