Bactroban

Bactroban is a prescription medication used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. It is available in an ointment or a cream that is applied to the skin, as well as an ointment that is applied inside the nose. The nasal form is primarily used to prevent methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria from spreading. Side effects can include nausea, headache, and runny nose.

Bactroban Antibiotic Information

What Is Bactroban?

Bactroban^® (mupirocin) is an antibiotic. It comes in the form of a nasal ointment, a skin cream, and a skin ointment.

The skin cream and ointment are used to treat various skin infections. The nasal ointment is used to clear the nasal passages of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria in healthcare workers and adult patients during MRSA outbreaks in hospitals, nursing homes, or other institutional settings.

Some people naturally carry the bacteria in their noses (often without any symptoms), and this may be a source for spreading MRSA.

(Click Bactroban Uses for more information on this topic, including possible off-label uses.)

Who Makes It?

Brand-name Bactroban products are made by GlaxoSmithKline. Generic versions are made by various companies.

How Does Bactroban Work?

Bactroban works by interfering with bacterial protein synthesis. This means that it stops bacteria from making important proteins. More specifically, the drug works by binding to an important bacterial enzyme known as isoleucyl transfer-RNA synthetase. Bactroban works against a wide range of bacteria, including (most notably) MRSA.

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