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Bactroban Nasal Ointment (mupirocin) is an antibacterial nasal ointment used to eradicate Staphylococcal bacteria from the nasal passages.

In practice, Bactroban Nasal Ointment is typically reserved for treating methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in inpatients in hospital or healthcare settings, as well as among healthcare workers to prevent transmission to patients at high risk of contracting MRSA or during outbreaks.

The medication works by causing bacteria to produce abnormal proteins needed for survival; unable to utilize these faulty proteins, the bacteria die.

Bactroban Nasal Ointment is typically reserved for patients age 12 and up, but it can be used in patients of any age, including infants, if needed and no alternatives are available. Treatment is typically the same in all cases, though a doctor should be consulted before administering to a patient under 12 years of age.

Those looking for the non-nasal version of Bactroban Ointment will find it here.

Using Bactroban Nasal Ointment

Bacteria, including MRSA, are found naturally on the human body, including in the nostrils, where it is usually harmless. When populations grow out of control---due to illness or injury, for example---they can begin to cause serious problems, including the notorious "flesh-eating" associated with MRSA, as well as excessive pus, blistering, pain, vomiting, blood poisoning, and many other symptoms.

Patients who have an active MRSA infection will benefit from Bactroban Nasal Ointment. The medication is simple to use:

• Squeeze a match-head size amount of ointment onto a finger or cotton swab.
• Carefully insert it into one nostril.
• Repeat with the other nostril, using another match-head size amount.
• Gently press together and release the sides of the nose for about one minute to spread the ointment through the nostrils.
• Repeat treatment twice per day.

Treatment typically continues for five days, though it may last up to seven days. Two days after treatment ends a nasal swab should be taken and tested for the bacteria; if still present, treatment may be repeated. Other nasal treatments should not be administered at the same time as Bactroban Nasal Ointment.

MRSA is already resistant to methicillin, amoxicillin, penicillin, oxacillin, and other antibacterials. To help ensure it does not become resistant to mupirocin---the active ingredient in Bactroban Nasal Ointment---treatment should last at least five days but no more than seven. Additionally, treatment should not be repeated more than one time, for a total of two rounds of treatment.

Precautions & Side Effects

The only real contraindication to Bactroban Nasal Ointment is hypersensitivity to it, better known as an allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis will occur if a patient is allergic to mupirocin; swelling of the face or throat, itching, rash, rapid or irregular heartbeat, and so forth---this warrants emergency medical attention.

Wash hands after applying the medication, to avoid spread of bacteria and to prevent Bactroban Nasal Ointment from inadvertently getting in the eyes or other sensitive areas. It should be washed off immediately if it does contact unintended areas.

In addition to risk of bacterial resistance, overuse of Bactroban Nasal Ointment---for more than seven days---can lead to overgrowth of other microbes, including viruses and fungi, as well as non-susceptible bacteria. This can lead to an all new infection, which might be just as difficult to treat.

Most patients don't experience significant side effects other than burning or stinging when it is applied. Other commonly reported side effects include:

• Sore throat
• Taste perversion
• Rhinitis (irritation and/or swelling in the nose)
• Pruritus (itching)
• Respiratory infection
• Coughing
• Headache

Effects of Bactroban Nasal Ointment in pregnant or breastfeeding mothers is unknown. As a general rule the medication should only be used if the benefits outweigh the risks during pregnancy or if breastfeeding.