What is Bactroban cream used for?

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Bactroban® cream is a type of prescription topical medication. Bactroban® is used to treat certain skin infections. The active ingredient of Bactroban® Cream is mupirocin, which has antibacterial properties and can be used to destroy various detrimental bacteria. It is an antibiotic that works by stopping the growth of certain bacteria. Bactroban Cream is 2% mupirocin calcium cream that  has been approved as a topical antibiotic treatment for treating infected traumatic skin lesions that are about 10 cm in length/ 100sq.cms in area caused by bacteria such as S. aureus and S. pyogenes.  It is mostly prescribed to treat bacterial skin infections. It is available by prescription only. Bactroban cream can be used to treat small wounds, such as small cuts and abrasions or stitches that get infected.

What are the chemical properties of Bactroban®?

• Bactroban cream (mupirocin calcium cream),  contains the dihydrate crystalline calcium hemi-salt of the antibiotic mupirocin.
•  The molecular formula of mupirocin calcium is (C26H43O9)2Ca•2H2O, and
•  The molecular weight is 1075.3.
•  The molecular weight of mupirocin free acid is 500.6.
•  The molecular formula of mupirocin calcium is (C26H43O9)2Ca•2H2O.

What are the ingredients present in Bactroban®?

•  Bactroban cream is a white cream that contains 2.15% w/w mupirocin calcium (equivalent to 2.0% mupirocin free acid) in an oil and water-based emulsion.
•  The inactive ingredients are benzyl alcohol, cetomacrogol 1000, cetyl alcohol, mineral oil, phenoxyethanol, purified water, stearyl alcohol, and xanthan gum.

How does Bactroban work?

Bactroban interrupts the process of protein synthesis in bacteria cells, which is needed for the bacteria in the production of energy and reproduction. In the absence of protein synthesis, the bacterium is destroyed.

What are the infections that are cured by Bactroban®?

Bactroban is used to treat infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. These infections are commonly known as “staph or strep infections”, correspondingly.

What is Mupirocin?

•  Mupirocin is active against most strains of S. aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes, both in vitro and in clinical studies.
•  Mupirocin slow down bacterial protein synthesis by reversibly and purposely binding to specific bacteria.
•  Mupirocin is bactericidal at concentrations attained by topical application.
•  The lowest bactericidal concentration (MBC) against pertinent bacterias is usually 8-fold to 30-fold.
•  Also, mupirocin is highly protein bound (>97%), and the effect of wound secretions on the MICs of mupirocin has not been predicted.
•  Mupirocin is an antibacterial agent created by fermentation using the organism “Pseudomonas fluorescens”.

How to use Bactroban®?

•  Bactroban® is used as suggested by the doctor.
•  The normal recommendation is 2 to 3 times a day depending on the severity of the infection.
•  Hands should be washed before and after applying Bactroban cream.
•  A small quantity of the cream is applied to the affected area, with a piece of clean cotton wool or a gauze swab.
•  After applying the cream, the treated area may be covered with a sterile bandage or gauze dressing.
•  In order to cure the infection entirely, Bactroban Cream is sued for the full course of treatment.
•  After using Bactroban Cream, hands are thoroughly washed.
•  In case, if a dose of Bactroban Cream is missed, it is used as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, the missed dose is skipped and continued with the regular dosing schedule.
•  The medication should be stopped and proper medical advice should be taken in case of irritation, severe itching, or rash occurs.
•  In case, if there is no improvement noticed within 3 to 5 days, the healthcare provider should be contacted.

Is Bactroban® safe?

• The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) declared that there are no harmful effects on pregnant rats or their fetuses when they have been exposed to mupirocin.

• According to FDA, this medication is safe and effective for children as young as three months, provided it is used as per the direction.

What are the common side-effects of Bactroban®?

Common side effects of Bactroban include:

• Burning sensation
•  Headache
•  Nausea
•  Stinging.

In case of severe side-effects such as rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue, severe irritation, severe itching etc, the health care provider is contacted immediately.

Who should not use Bactroban®?

•  Since, there may be some excretion of Bactroban's active ingredients in human milk, and women who are nursing should mention this to doctors who might prescribe the medication.
•  A person who is allergic to mupirocin or any of the other ingredients listed in the package of the cream should not use this cream.
•  If the expiry date (EXP) printed on the pack has passed, it is not used.
•  If the packaging is ragged or shows signs of tampering, it is better to avoid using the cream. 

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