Homechevron_rightDrugschevron_rightMupirocin Prices
Generic Bactroban
Used for Skin Infection
Used for Skin Infection
Mupirocin is a topical antibiotic that's used to treat small areas of bacterial skin infections such as impetigo or a "Staph" infection on the skin. It comes as a cream and an ointment that are applied onto the skin a few times a day for 10 days. This medication can be used on adults or children (over the age of 2 months for the ointment, and over the age of 3 months for the cream). Although mupirocin has very few side effects, some people can experience headache, nausea, or burning at the application site.
Reviewed by:
Cydnee Ng, PharmD
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on March 11, 2024
chevron_left
BasicsSide effectsPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
chevron_right
What is Mupirocin?
02:33
Featuring Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD | Reviewed by Cydnee Ng, PharmD, Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP
What is Mupirocin used for?
Impetigo - ointment
Bacterial skin infection that happens after skin gets damaged (e.g., from a cut or other wound) - cream
How Mupirocin works
Mupirocin is an antibiotic. The medication blocks bacteria from making certain proteins they need to survive. This kills bacteria to help treat skin infections.
When does Mupirocin start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Full effect
Drug Facts
Common BrandsBactroban, Centany (brand names no longer available)
Drug Class Antibiotic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
Get your GoodRx coupon
local_offer_outlined
Avg retail price
$44.20
View GoodRx coupons
What are the side effects of Mupirocin?
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
Other Side Effects
Serious Side Effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
When do Mupirocin possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Burning, stinging, or pain at the application site
Rash
Severe allergic reaction
Severe diarrhea
Seek immediate medical care if you experience this side effect.
Source:DailyMed
The following side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
Burning, stinging, or pain on the application site
Rare
Blistering, crusting, irritation, itching, or reddening of the skin
canker sores
cracked, dry, scaly skin
pain, swelling, tenderness, warmth on the skin
sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or tongue or inside the mouth
Incidence not known
Abdominal or stomach tenderness
cough
difficulty with swallowing
dizziness
fast heartbeat
fever
hives or welts, itching, or skin rash
large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
redness of the skin
severe abdominal or stomach cramps and pain
tightness in the chest
unusual tiredness or weakness
watery and severe diarrhea, which may also be bloody
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
Headache
nausea
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Advertisem*nt
Pros and cons of Mupirocin
Pros
Can use for children as young as 2 months old (ointment) or 3 months old (cream)
Can easily apply directly where the skin infection is
Generally well-tolerated; few people experience side effects
Available as a lower-cost generic
Cons
Only available by prescription
Need to remember to use three times a day
Ointment might not be a good option for people with kidney problems because of risk of harm
Pharmacist tips for Mupirocin
Make sure to use mupirocin for as long as your healthcare professional (HCP) instructed you to. Don't stop using the medication earlier than prescribed even if your skin starts looking better. Your infection might not be entirely gone. It might come back and be harder to treat.
Wash your hands before and after you use mupirocin. Use a clean cotton swab or gauze pad to apply the medication onto the affected area of your skin. This helps prevent the infection from spreading or getting worse.
Use mupirocin only on small areas of the skin. Avoid getting the medication in your eyes, nose, mouth, or vagin* (mucosal surfaces). Otherwise, it might cause irritation. Rinse your eyes well with water if you accidentally get mupirocin in your eyes.
After you apply mupirocin, you can use a sterile (clean) gauze pad to cover and protect the area, unless your HCP instructed you otherwise.
You might feel some slight irritation where you applied mupirocin on your skin. Let your HCP know if any skin irritation becomes bothersome or if it doesn't go away.
Avoid using other lotions, creams, ointments, or other topical products at the same time as mupirocin on the same area of skin. We're not sure what effects there are when mupirocin and other topical products are on the affected area at the same time. It might be a good idea to wait until you've finished your treatment course with mupirocin to use any other topical products on the treated area of skin.
Don't use mupirocin ointment on skin that's at or near any tubing that's inserted into a vein. It's possible that the medication can make fungal infections that are hard to treat pop up there.
Let your HCP know if your skin infection doesn't improve within 3 to 5 days of using mupirocin or if your skin infection gets worse. Your HCP can check whether you need other treatment.
Frequently asked questions about Mupirocin
Can I use mupirocin ointment on an open wound?
expand_more
Don't use mupirocin ointment on open skin wounds or damaged skin. The ointment contains an ingredient called polyethylene glycol that might cause harm if a lot of it gets absorbed through broken skin; the risk for harm is higher if you have kidney problems. You can, however, use mupirocin cream on skin lesions (damaged skin, wounds); have a discussion with your healthcare professional (HCP) if you're unclear which mupirocin product to use for your skin condition.
How long does it take for mupirocin to work?
expand_more
You should start to notice your skin infection getting better within a few days. Check with your healthcare professional (HCP) for further advice if you haven't noticed any improvement after 3 to 5 days of treatment.
Can I use mupirocin on my private area?
expand_more
No, don't use mupirocin on your private area nor on other areas like your eyes, nose, or mouth. Using the medication on these areas can cause irritation. Visit a healthcare professional if you feel that you have a skin infection on or in your private area to see whether you need appropriate treatment.
Is mupirocin over the counter?
expand_more
No, mupirocin is only available with a prescription from your healthcare professional (HCP). Other topical antibiotic ointments, like Neosporin for example, are available over the counter, but they're typically only used to prevent infections, not to treat them.
Is mupirocin a steroid?
expand_more
No, mupirocin is an antibiotic that's used to treat certain bacterial skin infections. Although topical steroids can be helpful for many inflammatory skin conditions (e.g., psoriasis), they can worsen certain skin infections. Steroids also don't help to clear the infection like mupirocin does.
Does mupirocin expire?
expand_more
Yes, mupirocin can expire. Don't use the medication after its expiration date because it might not work as well to treat your skin condition. Check the medication box or tube of mupirocin to find the expiration date.
What is the difference between mupirocin and mupirocin nasal?
expand_more
Mupirocin cream and ointment are medications that are used on the skin to treat certain bacterial infections; it shouldn't be placed in the nose because it can cause irritation. On the other hand, Bactroban Nasal (mupirocin nasal) is an ointment that can be used directly in your nose to treat a Staph infection in the nose. Bactroban Nasal (mupirocin nasal) is no longer available in the U.S. because it was discontinued.
Can I use mupirocin for itching?
expand_more
No, mupirocin doesn't work to relieve skin itchiness. This medication is used to treat certain bacterial skin infections such as impetigo in children. Some people can have itchy or irritated skin where mupirocin is applied. Ask a healthcare professional (HCP) or pharmacist about what you can do to soothe itchy skin if you have this uncomfortable skin reaction.
How to save using GoodRx
1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.
2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.
3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.
Get free couponLearn more
What are the risks and warnings for Mupirocin?
Mupirocin can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Severe allergic reaction
In some rare cases, mupirocin can cause an allergic reaction, which can be severe or life-threatening. Stop using the medication and get medical help right away if you have rash, hives, swelling, trouble breathing, or other symptoms of anaphylaxis.
Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
Though rare, mupirocin carries a risk for diarrhea that's caused by a bacterial infection called Clostridioides difficile (C. diff). Like with all antibiotics, mupirocin can change how much normal bacteria is in your gut, allow C. diff to overgrow there, and cause an infection once the medication gets absorbed into the body. But keep in mind that mupirocin is used on the skin, so very little medication typically gets absorbed.
The risk that mupirocin gets absorbed into the body and causes C. diff infection is higher if the medication is applied onto damaged skin. This infection can be very contagious, cause diarrhea, and lead to life-threatening dehydration. Get medical help right away if you have symptoms like rapid heart rate, fever, foul-smelling diarrhea, or frequent bowel movements.
Development of hard-to-treat infections
Risk factors: Long-term use of mupirocin
Using mupirocin for long periods of time can give rise to the growth of treatment-resistant bacteria or fungi. This means that the medication won't work well to kill the bacteria or fungi, and new infections can be very difficult to treat. To prevent this from happening, be sure to use mupirocin as directed and not for a longer period of time than your HCP prescribed.
Caution use in people with kidney problems (ointment only)
Mupirocin ointment contains an inactive ingredient that can be toxic when a large amount is absorbed into the body through damaged skin. The kidneys normally help get rid of this inactive ingredient from the body.
The risk for possible harmful effects from the inactive ingredient is higher if you have moderate-to-severe kidney problems. When your kidneys don't work properly, your body can't get rid of the inactive ingredient well. This raises the risk for the inactive ingredient to build up in the body and cause harm. Tell your HCP before you use mupirocin ointment if you have kidney problems to make sure it's safe for you.
Mupirocin dosage forms
Tube of cream
| Dosage | As low as |
|---|---|
| 15g of 2% | $28.78 for 1 tube |
| 30g of 2% | $35.82 for 1 tube |
Tube of ointment
| Dosage | As low as |
|---|---|
| 15g of 2% | $8.62 for 1 tube |
| 22g of 2% | $10.82 for 1 tube |
Typical dosing for Mupirocin
Apply a small amount of mupirocin to the affected area of skin 3 times each day for up to 10 days. Use a cotton swab or gauze pad to apply the cream or ointment onto the affected area.
Interactions between Mupirocin and other drugs
Mupirocin may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Mupirocin. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
How much does Mupirocin cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Mupirocin (generic)
What are alternatives to Mupirocin?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Mupirocin. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
Mupirocin
Used for:
Impetigo - ointment
Bacterial skin infection that happens after skin gets damaged (e.g., from a cut or other wound) - cream
$10.82 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
Altabax (retapamulin)
Used for:
Impetigo ("school sores") in adults and children age 9 months and older
$371.91 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
Xepi (ozenoxacin)
Used for:
Impetigo
View Prices
What is the latest news about Mupirocin?
Mupirocin images
This medicine is White Tube Of Ointment.white - Mupirocin 2% Topical Ointment
This medicine is White Tube Of Ointment.white - Mupirocin 2% Topical Ointment
This medicine is White Tube Of Ointment.white - Mupirocin 2% Topical Ointment
This medicine is White Tube Of Ointment.white - Mupirocin 2% Topical Ointment
Get savings updates for Mupirocin
Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Mupirocin and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.
By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.
References
starsBest studies we found
Alembic Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2023). Mupirocin cream [package insert]. DailyMed.
Ference, J.D., et al. (2009). Choosing topical corticosteroids. American Family Physician.
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, Inc., USA. (2023) Mupirocin ointment [package insert]. DailyMed.
View All References (3)
expand_more
Tan, C. B., et al. (2012). Toxic megacolon from fulminant Clostridium difficile infection induced by topical silver sulphadiazine. BMJ Case Reports.
Taylor, T. A., et al. (2023). Staphylococcus aureus. StatPearls.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Drugs@FDA: FDA-approved drugs.
GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
Was this page helpful?
Browse medications
View All
Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.
