Bactroban is used for the treatment of impetigo due to Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes, for the treatment of infected eczema, or folliculitis (infection of the hair follicles). Bactroban is not recommended for use on the skin in serious burns, because more of the vehicle (the inactive ingredient) used for the ointment, polyethylene glycol, may be absorbed and can cause kidney damage. A nasal ointment of bactroban also is used for the elimination of nasal Staphylococcus aureus that have become resistant to other antibiotics.
How Taken
For the treatment of impetigo, a small amount of the ointment is applied to the affected area, usually three times daily. The area may be covered with a sterile gauze dressing. If there is no improvement in 3-5 days, the physician should be contacted. A specialized use of bactroban is the intranasal application for patients who harbor intranasal Staphylococcus aureus that are resistant to many other antibiotics. Treatment requires the application of about half of the ointment from a single-use tube of nasal ointment into one nostril and the other half into the other nostril. This treatment is repeated twice daily for 5 days. Children may need less ointment.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
Storage
Bactroban should be kept at room temperature, 15-30C (59-86F)
Possible Side Effects
Side effects are uncommon and mild with bactroban. The most frequent side effects are burning, stinging, pain, and itching at the area of application. The intranasal use of bactroban can cause headache (1 of every 11 patients), runny nose (1 in 17), congestion (1 in 20), sore throat (1 in 22), changes in taste perception (1 in 30), nasal irritation (1 in 50) and cough (1 in 50).
More Information
Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children.
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