Bactroban is a topical antibiotic used to treat various skin infections, including impetigo – a bacterial disease on the skin that's caused by a bacteria in the Staphylococcus family. This substance is a form of antibiotic, which means that it works by killing the bacteria that contribute to the growth and continuation of an infection. In some cases, Bactroban nasal ointment can be used within the nose and nasal cavity by patients who work in health environments. In a healthcare setting, Bactroban cream can be used to get rid of the Staphylococcus bacteria that may have colonized in the nose. Unlike some antibiotics that work by damaging the walls of bacteria or affecting the bacteria's DNA, Bactroban works by blocking the activity of a specific enzyme within the bacteria. This substance is crucial in order for the bacteria to create new proteins. Without the option to create proteins, the bacteria will die off. Because of the unique action of Bactroban, it's very unlikely that bacteria will become resistant to this treatment.Bactroban, or Mupirocin is a topical treatment solution intended to counteract the symptoms of various skin infections, including impetigo. It may also be used for the treatment of certain boils and ulcers on the skin. This substance works by stopping the growth and development of bacteria.
Bactroban
What is Bactroban?
Bactroban is a topical antibiotic used to treat various skin infections, including impetigo – a bacterial disease on the skin that’s caused by a bacterium in the Staphylococcus family. Bactroban cream and Bactroban ointment are forms of antibiotic, which means that it works by killing the bacteria that contribute to the growth and continuation of an infection. In some cases, Bactroban nasal ointment can be used within the nose and nasal cavity by patients who work in health environments. In a healthcare setting, Bactroban can be used to get rid of the Staphylococcus bacteria that may have colonized in the nose. Unlike some antibiotics that work by damaging the walls of bacteria or affecting the bacteria’s DNA, Bactroban works by blocking the activity of a specific enzyme within the bacteria. This substance is crucial in order for the bacteria to create new proteins. Without the option to create proteins, the bacteria will die off. Because of the unique action of Bactroban cream and Bactroban ointment, it’s very unlikely that bacteria will become resistant to this treatment.
When is Bactroban used?
Bactroban is usually prescribed for the treatment of various skin infections, including boils, inflamed eczema, and infections in the nose. Most commonly, it’s used specifically for the treatment of impetigo and similar infections of the skin caused by various forms of the Staphylococcus bacteria. Bactroban cream is not recommended for use on the skin when the skin becomes infected due to a serious burn or injury. Bactroban nasal ointment can be used to protect against drug-resistant forms of nasal Staphylococcus infections that are common in healthcare environments and other settings. In some cases, this treatment may also be used for secondary infections according to the approval of your doctor.
How do you use Bactroban?
Bactroban cream and Bactroban ointment are both topical antibiotics which means that they should be applied directly to the skin. When using this medication, make sure that you are careful to keep it away from your eyes, nose and mouth. If you get Bactroban cream into your mouth, nose or eyes at any time, rinse the affected areas well with plenty of water, and call a doctor if you are concerned about any side effects. Before you apply Bactroban to the skin, make sure that your hands and the affected area are both clean and dry. You should not apply Bactroban to large patches of skin as this can increase the chances of the medication being absorbed into your bloodstream and causing side effects. Apply a small amount of Bactroban ointment to the area that you wish to treat following the instructions provided by your doctor. You will be able to address the instructions provided on the patient leaflet for this medication if you are unsure about how to use it safely. It is fine to cover the affected skin that you have applied Bactroban with a bandage or clothing. You should continue to use Bactroban cream for as long as your doctor tells you to, even if the infection seems to improve. Stopping an antibiotic too early can risk a return of the infection.
What dosages are available?
The usual dose provided for Bactroban ointment is a small amount that you can apply directly to the affected area up to three times a day or every 8 hours. The area that you apply Bactroban can be covered with a sterile dressing. If you do not notice any improvement to your symptoms after using this substance for 5 days, then you will need to contact a doctor. You may need a different form of treatment to deal with the affected area.
For other skin infections, you can apply Bactroban cream to the skin three times per day for ten days. However, you should still contact your doctor if you do not see any improvement after 3 to 5 days. When this medication is used to treat the infections inside of your nose, you will be able to put a small tube of Bactroban nasal ointment into the nostril and repeat this for a period of approximately five days. It is not certain whether this substance is suitable for people under the age of 12.
Avoid using Bactroban unless it is approved for you by your doctor, and make sure that you only use it for as long as directed by a medical professional. Always wash your hands after applying Bactroban.
What are the side effects of Bactroban?
All medications, including Bactroban may cause side effects for some people. How you react to this medication will depend on your body’s chemical makeup and your genes. However, your doctor will consider the risks and benefits of prescribing this drug to you before giving you the medication.
Most people will not experience any side effects when this taking Bactroban. If you do notice any minor side effects, they may go away by themselves as your body adjusts to the new ingredients on your skin. If you experience any burning, stinging or increased irritation in the area that you are treating after using Bactroban, stop using it and contact your doctor for more advice. You may also sneeze when using the nasal ointment more often.
In some cases, your skin might become dry or more sensitive after applying Bactroban cream, however, this might not be enough of a problem to suggest that you should stop using the medication. There are more serious conditions that may occur in some people. For instance, this substance can cause a severe intestinal condition in rare conditions that happens due to a type of resistant bacteria in your body. If you notice diarrhoea that keeps coming, stomach pain or cramping, or blood in your stool, contact your doctor immediately. Do not use any opioid or anti-diarrhoea medications if you do have these symptoms as they can make your condition worse.
For some people, using Bactroban cream or Bactroban ointment e over a long period of time may increase the risk of a new infection caused by yeast or fungus. Tell your doctor if your infection appears to get worse, or you notice signs of a new infection. A significant allergic reaction to this medication isn’t common, however it is important to seek medical attention immediately if you notice signs of a reaction. Find emergency help if you have trouble breathing, swelling in the mouth or tongue, or severe rashes and itching.
When shouldn't you use Bactroban?
Your doctor will need to consider your medical history carefully when determining whether it is safe to give you Bactroban. Make sure you tell your doctor about all of your symptoms, as well as any medical conditions that you might have that could mean that Bactroban isn’t suitable for you. You should not take this medication if you are allergic to mupirocin, or any other substances found in the ointment, such as polyethylene glycol.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor about any history you have with kidney disease, either in yourself or throughout your family. This medication should only be used by people who are pregnant or considering getting pregnant if it is absolutely necessary. It is not known at this time if Bactroban passes into breast milk, so it’s important to contact your doctor before you begin breast feeding when using Bactroban.
Does Bactroban interact with any other medications?
It is possible for any medication to interact with other substances that you are taking and affect the way that certain drugs work. Make sure that you talk to your doctor about any medications that you are already taking, including over-the-counter drugs, herbal remedies and supplements before you begin using Bactroban. At this time, there are no obvious signs that Bactroban interacts with any other medications consumed via tablet or injection form. However, it is often a good idea to avoid using this medication with other drugs applied in the nose if you are using the nasal treatment. If you are using multiple nasal treatments at once, ask your doctor for advice.
Where can you buy Bactroban UK?
It is possible to purchase Bactroban UK at registered pharmacies both online and in person. However, you will need to have a consultation with a registered doctor to ensure that this medication is right for you first. We can arrange a consultation for you with an official EU health professional. We can also arrange to have this medication delivered to a UK pharmacy on your behalf, ready for you to collect.
Can you get Bactroban without a prescription?
Bactroban cream and Bactroban ointment are only available on prescription. Your doctor will need to make sure that this is the right treatment for you based on your condition and medical history. Do not try to use Bactroban without a prescription and doctor approval. If this substance is not right for you, your doctor may be able to suggest an alternative form of treatment that is safer.
References
EMedicine health, online, 2019, Mupirocin Nasal, [Accessed on the 15th of August 2019], Available at: https://www.emedicinehealth.com/drug-mupirocin_nasal/article_em.htm
John, P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP, RXList, online, 2019, Bactroban ointment side effects, [Accessed on the 15th of August 2019], Available at: https://www.rxlist.com/bactroban-ointment-side-effects-drug-center.htm
Sanjai, Sinha, MD, Online, 2019, Bactroban, [Accessed on the 15th of August 2019], Available at: https://www.drugs.com/bactroban.html