Bactroban Ointment (mupirocin) is an RNA sythetase inhibitor used for the localized, topical treatment of impetigo and certain other superficial Staphylococcus skin infections. It works by interfering with protein synthesis in the target bacteria, depriving it of the conditions it needs to survive.

Bactroban Ointment is unlikely to be effective in the treatment of infections resulting from bacteria other than Staphylococcus. Use for longer than 10 consecutive days is generally not recommended due to concerns that the bacteria may develop resistance to the medication.

Getting Started with Bactroban Ointment

Bactroban ointment is for topical use only; it should not be ingested or applied directly to mucous membranes.

For best results a doctor should identify the bacteria causing the infection, and doctor instructions should be followed for the full course of treatment even if the condition appears to clear up. Likewise do not use for longer than recommended. Ending treatment early or continuing it longer can result in reinfection with antibiotic resistant bacteria, which will be considerably more difficult to treat.

Administration is simple:

• Apply a dab of the ointment to the target area three times per day.
• A breathable bandage may be applied over the treatment if desired.
• Do not use longer than ten consecutive days unless explicitly instructed to do so by a doctor.
• Do not use Bactroban Ointment with other topical treatments unless specifically instructed do so by a doctor.

If treating impetigo keep in mind that the conditions is contagious and easily spread. Wash hands thoroughly after each application and carefully dispose of any used dressings or other materials that have contacted the infected area.

Patients may experience some relief of symptoms, such as tenderness, itching, or inflammation, within moments of the first application. The condition should be noticeably improved within 5 days of starting treatment. If there are no significant improvements within this time frame a doctor should be consulted; alternative treatments will likely be required. Unresponsive conditions may be due to incorrectly identified bacteria or a strain that has already developed resistance to mupirocin.

Potential Side Effects

Rarely some patients experience an allergic reaction to Bactroban Ointment, which should be considered a medical emergency. Warning signs include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of face and/or throat
• Rapid or erratic heartbeat
• Dizziness
• Hives, rash, or severe itching

Most people experience only mild side effects localized to the application site; these symptoms aren't cause for concern unless they become severe:

• Stinging
• Mild pain
• Mild itching

The above symptoms typically occur only when the ointment is first applied and fade away after a few moments.

Unfortunately some patients experience more severe adverse reactions from Bactroban Ointment. Consult a doctor if:

• The infection worsens or spreads during treatment
• Skin begins to peel or blister at application site
• New skin infections develop, even if seemingly unrelated
• Any other moderate to severe irritation develop around application site

Because Bactroban Ointment is topical, interactions with orally-administered medications are unlikely. The medication should not applied to mucous membranes or open wounds. If the medication is ingested by children or pets seek emergency medical advice.

Topical treatments are rarely present in the bloodstream in quantities high enough to be harmful, but parents may want to discuss potential risks with a doctor before use.

Ships from the UK

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.

Medihoney Antibacterial Wound Gel is clinically proven to promote wound healing and reduce the risk of infection. It is made with Comvita's medical grade Manuka Honey. It is ideal for the treatment of minor burns, cuts, grazes and ulcers.

This unique formula contains Medihoney medical grade Manuka honey and natural gelling agents to: 

• Create an ideal environment for wound healing
• Reduce the risk of infection by bacteria
• Clean the wound naturally
• Reduce pain at dressing change 

DIRECTIONS: 

1. Clean wound
2. Apply Comvita Medihoney Antibacterial Wound Gel approximately 3mm thick to a sterile dressing pad and cover wound
3. Most wounds require changing daily. The dressing may be left for up to three days if there is very little wound fluid.
4. At removal of the dressing, the natural gelling agents in the Medihoney Antibacterial Wound Gel may leave a protective layer over the wound. This may be gently washed away at each dressing change. 

PRECAUTIONS: Serious wounds should be managed under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Do not use on individuals who have a known sensitivity to honey. Do not use on third degree (serious) burns. Transient stinging may be experienced on application of this product. This is due to the natural properties of the honey and is not detrimental to the wound. If stinging does not resolve after 30 minutes, remove the dressing and wash the affected area. Always read the label. Use only as directed.

INGREDIENTS: Mel (Medihoney Antibacterial Honey), natural gelling agents.

Product is only sterile until seal is broken. Do not use if tube is damaged.

Single patient use. Use within 4 months of opening. Store at room temperature: 10-25 degrees celsius.