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Mupirocin is a prescription topical antibiotic available in different formulations. This page focuses on mupirocin 2 percent ointment containing 20 mg of mupirocin per gram. It is indicated for impetigo caused by susceptible Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. Mupirocin cream and nasal formulations have separate indications and instructions.
read more about mupirocin ...Mupirocin inhibits bacterial isoleucyl-transfer RNA synthetase, an enzyme needed for bacterial protein synthesis. This prevents susceptible bacteria from producing proteins required for growth and survival. Its activity depends on the bacterial organism and drug concentration.
Mupirocin 2 percent ointment treats impetigo caused by susceptible bacteria in adults and pediatric patients. Its safety and efficacy have been established in children from age 2 months. The ointment is intended for external skin application and is not labeled for treating eye infections, nasal infections, or other mucosal conditions. Hypersensitivity to mupirocin or its ingredients is a contraindication.
A small amount of mupirocin 2 percent ointment is applied to affected skin three times daily for up to 10 days, using a cotton swab or gauze pad. The treated area can be covered with gauze when appropriate. Patients without clinical improvement within three to five days require reassessment. The ointment is not applied inside the nose or eyes.
Mupirocin can cause severe allergic reactions, local irritation, and overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms, including fungi, with prolonged use. Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea has also been reported with antibacterial treatment. The ointment contains polyethylene glycol, which can be absorbed through damaged skin and accumulate in patients with impaired kidney function. It should not be used where substantial polyethylene glycol absorption is possible, especially with moderate or severe kidney impairment.
It treats impetigo caused by susceptible Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria.
The ointment is applied to affected skin three times daily for up to 10 days.
No. Standard mupirocin 2 percent skin ointment is not intended for intranasal use. Nasal products have separate directions.
Yes. Safety and efficacy for the 2 percent ointment have been established in pediatric patients age 2 months and older.
DailyMed - MUPIROCIN ointment. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=95c302b8-affa-431a-9b89-0506f5a098e6. Date Accessed October 16, 2026.
Mupirocin. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501429/. Date Accessed October 16, 2026.
Mupirocin. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a688004.html. Date Accessed October 16, 2026.
Mupirocin. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/mupirocin. Date Accessed October 16, 2026.
Mupirocin. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK599499/. Date Accessed October 16, 2026.