Type of medicine: antibiotic
Generic and brand names: mupirocin calcium, intranasal; Bactroban Nasal
This medicine is an ointment put in the nose to kill certain bacteria (germs) called Staphylococcus aureus. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any medicine.
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
This medicine comes in single-use tubes and is applied to the nostrils. Do not use more or use it more often than prescribed. Use this medicine for as long as your healthcare provider prescribes, even if you feel better.
Wash your hands before and after applying this medicine. After applying the ointment to both nostrils, gently press together and release the sides of your nose several times for about a minute. This gentle massage of the nose will spread the ointment in your nostrils. Throw out the tube after applying the ointment to both nostrils.
An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.
Keep the ointment out of your eyes because it can cause severe irritation. If you accidentally get some ointment in your eyes, rinse them with plenty of cool water. If the irritation continues, call your healthcare provider.
Check with your healthcare provider before using any other medicine in your nose while using this medicine.
If you develop any irritation in or around your nostrils, stop using the ointment and call your healthcare provider.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Severe irritation in or around your nostrils.
Other: Headache, stuffy or runny nose, nausea, sore throat, cough, change in sense of taste, mild itching or burning in your nose.
No significant drug interactions have been reported.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
