mupirocin calcium at a glance
Medicine class
Topical antibiotic for intranasal use
Usual role
Clearing nasal carriage of staphylococci, including susceptible MRSA
Where to apply
Inside both nostrils; not for the eyes
Practical point
Press the sides of the nose together after application to spread the ointment
What is mupirocin calcium used for?
The selected nasal product is licensed for:
Eliminating nasal carriage of staphylococci in adults and children aged one year and over.
Eliminating susceptible MRSA carried in the nose.
How does mupirocin calcium work?
Mupirocin blocks a bacterial enzyme needed to make proteins. This stops susceptible bacteria growing and, at higher local concentrations, can kill them.
mupirocin calcium preparations and strengths
Nasal ointment
Route: Nasal
Strengths: 2%
How to take mupirocin calcium
Use only inside the nose as directed. Avoid the eyes. Do not combine it with another nasal ointment or intranasal treatment unless instructed, as mixing can dilute the product.
Wash and dry your hands.
Place a small amount on a clean little finger; a cotton bud may be used when appropriate.
Apply gently inside each nostril.
Press the sides of the nose together to spread the ointment.
Replace the cap and wash your hands.
If it enters an eye, rinse thoroughly with water.
mupirocin calcium side effects
Get urgent medical advice
- Rare serious allergy, with widespread rash, hives, facial or throat swelling, breathing difficulty or anaphylaxis.
- Significant or persistent diarrhoea with abdominal cramps requires prompt assessment.
- Stop treatment and seek advice if severe local irritation or sensitisation develops.
mupirocin calcium in pregnancy
Clinical experience during pregnancy is lacking. The nasal ointment should be used only after a prescriber has considered that the expected benefit outweighs possible risk.
mupirocin calcium while breastfeeding
Information about passage into human milk is insufficient, although systemic exposure after topical use is expected to be low. Product-specific use while breastfeeding requires a prescriber’s benefit–risk assessment.
mupirocin calcium interactions
Formal interaction studies have not been performed.
Other nasal ointments or intranasal treatments
Using them together may dilute mupirocin, alter penetration into the nasal lining, and reduce stability or effectiveness.
Common questions about mupirocin calcium
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is mupirocin calcium nasal ointment used for?
It is used to clear staphylococcal bacteria carried in the nose, including susceptible MRSA.
Is mupirocin calcium an antibiotic?
Yes. It is a locally acting antibiotic that prevents susceptible bacteria from making essential proteins.
Does mupirocin calcium nasal ointment treat MRSA?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.