Mupibac Ointment

Mupibac ointment (Mupirocin Ointment BP 2.0% w/w) is a topical antibiotic useful against superficial skin infections such as impetigo or folliculitis. It may also be used to get rid of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) when present in the nose without symptoms. Due to concerns of developing resistance, use for greater than ten days is not recommended. It is used as an ointment applied to the skin..

Mupibac ointment can be used by adults and children. It is active against those organisms responsible for the majority of skin infections, e.g. Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant strains, other staphylococci, streptococci. It is also active against Gram-negative organisms such as Escherichia coli and Haemophilus influenzae. Mupibac ointment is used for skin infections, e.g. impetigo, folliculitis, furunculosis.

Dosage

Adults and children:

Mupibac ointment should be applied to the affected area up to three times a day for up to 10 days. The area may be covered with a dressing or occluded if desired.

 Mechanism of Action

Mupirocin is a novel antibiotic produced through fermentation by Pseudomonas fluorescens. Mupirocin inhibits isoleucyl transfer-RNA synthetase, thereby arresting bacterial protein synthesis. It has bacteriostatic properties at minimum inhibitory concentrations and bactericidal properties at the higher concentrations reached when applied locally.

Elimination

After topical application of Mupibac Ointment is only very minimally absorbed systemically and that which is absorbed is rapidly metabolised to the antimicrobially inactive metabolite, monic acid which is eliminated by renal excretion.

Pharmacokinetics

Systemic absorption of mupirocin is expected to be minimal in adult and children. Penetration of mupirocin into the deeper epidermal and dermal layers of the skin is enhanced in traumatised skin and under occlusive dressings.

Side Effects

Burning localized to the area of application.

Drug Interactions

No drug interactions have been identified.

Reproduction studies on Mupibac in animals have revealed no evidence of harm to the foetus. As there is no clinical experience on its use during pregnancy, Mupibac Ointment should only be used in pregnancy when the potential benefits outweigh the possible risks of treatment. It is unknown whether it is excreted in human milk. If a cracked nipple is to be treated, it should be thoroughly washed prior to breast-feeding

 Contraindications

This involves hypersensitivity to the active substance(s) or to any of the excipients. Mupibac Ointment formulation is not suitable for ophthalmic or intranasal use.

No drug interactions have been identified.