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What Is Bactroban?

Bactroban is a trade name for mupirocin 2% ointment, a prescription topical antibacterial. It is approved for impetigo caused by susceptible Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. Each gram contains 20 mg of mupirocin. The ointment is used on the skin and is not intended for intranasal, ophthalmic, or other mucosal use.

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What Is Bactroban?

Bactroban is a trade name for mupirocin 2% ointment, a prescription topical antibacterial. It is approved for impetigo caused by susceptible Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. Each gram contains 20 mg of mupirocin. The ointment is used on the skin and is not intended for intranasal, ophthalmic, or other mucosal use.

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How Does Bactroban Stop Bacterial Growth?

Mupirocin inhibits bacterial isoleucyl-transfer RNA synthetase, an enzyme needed for bacterial protein synthesis. Blocking this enzyme prevents incorporation of isoleucine into bacterial proteins and stops protein production. At concentrations reached during topical use, mupirocin acts against susceptible bacteria linked to impetigo, including Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes.

Which Infection Is Treated With Bactroban?

Bactroban ointment is approved for topical treatment of impetigo caused by susceptible Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. Current mupirocin ointment labeling does not list routine treatment of other skin infections. A clinician should reassess the affected area when there is no clinical response within three to five days.

How Is Bactroban Ointment Applied?

A small amount is applied to the affected skin three times daily for up to 10 days. A cotton swab or gauze pad can be used for application, and the treated area can be covered with gauze. The ointment should not be placed in the nose, eyes, or other mucosal areas.

What Safety Problems Need Attention With Bactroban?

Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, hives, angioedema, and generalized rash, have been reported with mupirocin products. Local irritation, severe itching, and rash are reasons to stop treatment and seek medical advice. Prolonged use can lead to overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms. Large exposure to polyethylene glycol is avoided in moderate or severe kidney impairment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bactroban

Is Bactroban the same as mupirocin?

Yes. Bactroban ointment contains mupirocin, a topical antibacterial used for impetigo caused by susceptible bacteria.

How often is Bactroban ointment applied?

The labeled regimen uses a small amount on the affected area three times daily for up to 10 days.

Can Bactroban ointment be used in the nose?

No. The topical ointment is not intended for intranasal, ophthalmic, or other mucosal use.

What should happen if impetigo does not improve?

Current labeling calls for reassessment when there is no clinical response within three to five days.

References

BACTROBAN (mupirocin) Ointment Prescribing Information. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/050591s034lbl.pdf. Date Accessed September 15, 2026.

DailyMed - MUPIROCIN ointment. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=290b4e51-59b4-429a-987b-715ac817ef2c. Date Accessed September 15, 2026.

DailyMed - MUPIROCIN ointment, RPK Pharmaceuticals, Inc. https://www.dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=f876784e-5542-4e9c-adc5-a65b038462d9&type=display. Date Accessed September 15, 2026.

Mupirocin. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK599499/. Date Accessed September 15, 2026.

Mupirocin Topical. MedlinePlus. https://www.medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a688004.html. Date Accessed September 15, 2026.