Mupirocin

Mupirocin is an active substance for the treatment of bacterial infections of the skin. It belongs to the group of antibiotics and is mainly effective against staphylococci and streptococci. Mupirocin is a metabolic product of Pseudomonas fluorescens, a bacterium. It is produced industrially via fermentation. Mupirocin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic and is effective against gram-positive bacteria and some gram-negative bacteria. There is no cross-resistance, which is a major advantage of mupirocin over other antibiotics. It is available on the market in the form of creams, ointments and nasal ointments, is present in medicines as mupirocin calcium and is a white powder that is very difficult to dissolve in water.

Mupirocin acts by binding to the bacterial isoleucyl-tRNA synthase. This enzyme is responsible for the conversion of the amino acid isoleucine and the transfer RNA (tRNA) into isoleucyl-tRNA. If this enzyme is inhibited, this leads to reduced protein production in the bacteria and thus inhibits their growth. At low doses, mupirocin is bacteriostatic, which means that it stops the growth of bacteria. In higher doses, the antibiotic kills 90-99% of bacteria within 24 hours.

As mupirocin only acts topically (i.e. locally on the skin), there is only very minimal absorption into the body. If the skin is severely damaged, systemic absorption (absorption into the bloodstream) can be much higher, meaning that systemic side effects can occur.

Always take Mupirocin exactly as described in the package leaflet or as advised by your doctor.

Mupirocin is usually applied to the affected areas of skin 3 times a day for 10 days. It is important to wash your hands thoroughly before and after each application.

The following side effects may occur:

• severe allergic reactions with hives, swelling and fainting
• Hypersensitivity reactions of the skin
• reactions of the nasal mucosa

Interactions may occur if the following medicines are taken at the same time:

• Mupirocin should not be applied mixed with other active substances

Mupirocin must NOT be taken in the following cases

• in case of allergy to mupirocin

Mupirocin can be used from the age of 1 year .

Mupirocin should only be used during pregnancy after consultation with your doctor.

It can be used in pregnancy to combat MRSA. For other skin infections, other antibiotics that are better proven should be used.

During breastfeeding, mupirocin should only be used after consultation with your doctor .

It is not known whether the active ingredient passes into breast milk, but as it is only applied locally to the skin, the risk to the infant seems very unlikely. However, direct contact with the affected area should be avoided at all costs.