Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Mupirocin Ointment 2%
⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Mupirocin may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
What it is and what it is used for
for MUPIROCIN 20 mg/g ointment (called 'MUPIROCIN ointment' in this leaflet) contains the active substance called mupirocin. MUPIROCIN ointment is an antibiotic ointment for external use on your skin only. It is used in adults, adolescents, children and infants aged 4 weeks and older:
to treat infections on the skin such as
- infected hair follicles which form pimples containing pus ('folliculitis'),
- an infectious skin infection with blistering and crusting ('impetigo') or
- recurring boils ('furunculosis').
to kill various bacteria which cause other skin infections including Staphylococci, Streptococci and E. coli. This group includes MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus).
What you need to know before you take it
e MUPIROCIN ointment Do not use MUPIROCIN ointment:
if you are allergic to mupirocin or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6.).
in your eyes, nose or around intravenous cannula ('drip') sites.
Do not use if the above applies to you. If you are not sure do not use this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using MUPIROCIN ointment. Warnings and precautions
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palen-mupirocin3233004-uk-9-0 Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using MUPIROCIN ointment. MUPIROCIN ointment can cause severe skin reactions or allergies. See 'Conditions to look out for' in section 4. Thrush (a yeast infection) may develop if MUPIROCIN ointment is used for a long time. If this occurs, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Keep the ointment away from your eyes. If the ointment gets into your eyes accidentally, wash them thoroughly with water. Children Do not use MUPIROCIN ointment in newborns under 4 weeks of age. Other medicines and MUPIROCIN ointment Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using, have recently used or might use any other medicines. Pregnancy and breast-feeding If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before using this medicine. If a cracked nipple is being treated, the ointment must be thoroughly washed off prior to breastfeeding. Driving and using machines MUPIROCIN ointment has no effects on the ability to drive or use machines. MUPIROCIN ointment contains polyethylene glycol Talk to your doctor before using this medicine if you: have kidney problems have large areas of open wounds or damaged skin to be treated
MUPIROCIN ointment contains butylated hydroxytoluene (E 321) and may cause local skin reactions (e.g. contact dermatitis), or irritation to the eyes and mucous membranes.
How to take it
MUPIROCIN ointment Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. Using this medicine Do not mix MUPIROCIN ointment with any other external cream or ointment medicines on the infected area of your skin as this may reduce the effectiveness of MUPIROCIN ointment. You usually apply MUPIROCIN ointment on your skin 2 to 3 times a day. 1. Wash and dry your hands before you open the tube. 2. Apply ointment to the infected area of your skin. 3. You can cover the treated area with a plaster(s) or suitable dressing(s), unless your doctor has told you to leave it uncovered. 4. Replace the cap on the tube and wash your hands.
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palen-mupirocin3233004-uk-9-0 How long should you use MUPIROCIN ointment for? Use MUPIROCIN ointment for as long as your doctor has told you. If you are not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist. The bacteria are normally cleared from your skin within 10 days of starting treatment. Do not use for more than 10 days. Throw away any ointment that is left over. If you use more MUPIROCIN ointment than you should
If you use more MUPIROCIN ointment than you should, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Remove excessive ointment with a clean wad of cotton wool or gauze swab.
If you swallow MUPIROCIN ointment, contact your doctor immediately and indicate what and how much you have swallowed.
If you forget to use MUPIROCIN ointment
If you forget to apply MUPIROCIN ointment, apply it as soon as you remember.
If your next dose is due within an hour, skip the missed dose.
Do not use a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you stop using MUPIROCIN ointment If you stop using MUPIROCIN ointment too early, not all the bacteria may have been killed or they may continue to grow. Ask your doctor or pharmacist when to stop using the ointment. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Conditions to look out for Severe skin reactions or allergies These are very rare in people using MUPIROCIN ointment. Signs include:
raised and itchy rash
swelling, sometimes of the face or mouth, causing difficulty in breathing
collapse or loss of consciousness. Contact a doctor immediately if you get any of these symptoms. Stop using MUPIROCIN ointment.
If you develop a severe skin reaction or an allergy:
wash off the ointment
stop using it and
tell your doctor as soon as possible.
On rare occasions, medicines like MUPIROCIN ointment can cause inflammation of the colon (large intestine), causing diarrhoea, usually with blood and mucus, stomach pain, fever (pseudomembranous colitis).
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palen-mupirocin3233004-uk-9-0 Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you get any of these symptoms. The following side effects may happen with this medicine: Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
Burning where the ointment is applied.
Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)
Itching, redness, stinging and dryness on your skin in the place where MUPIROCIN ointment is applied.
Allergic rash, itching, redness or soreness of the skin can also occur on other parts of your body.
Very rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people)
Swollen face and/or difficulty breathing. This may be a sign of a serious allergic reaction that could require emergency treatment.
Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at
www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
How to store it
MUPIROCIN ointment Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not store above 25 °C. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the tube and on the box after 'EXP:'. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Once opened store tube below 25 oC. After first opening contents can be used up to 10 days. MUPIROCIN ointment is a homogenous off-white ointment. Do not use MUPIROCIN ointment if it looks different to normal. Do not throw away any medicine via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help to protect the environment.
Contents of the pack and other information
What MUPIROCIN ointment contains
The active substance is mupirocin. 1 g of ointment contains 20 mg mupirocin.
The other ingredients are polyethylene glycol 400 and polyethylene glycol 3350 (with butylated hydroxytoluene (E 321)).
What MUPIROCIN ointment looks like and contents of the pack
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palen-mupirocin3233004-uk-9-0
MUPIROCIN ointment is a homogenous off-white ointment.
MUPIROCIN ointment is available in 5 g or 15 g aluminium tubes. Each tube comes in a carton. Cartons may be bundled to receive packs of 2 x 5 g, 3 x 5 g or 2 x 15 g.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer INFECTOPHARM Arzneimittel und Consilium GmbH Von-Humboldt-Str. 1 64646 Heppenheim Germany Distributor in the United Kingdom INFECTOPHARM Ltd Anglers Court, 34-44 Spittal Street Marlow, Buckinghamshire SL7 1DB This medicine is authorised in the Member States of the European Economic Area and in the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland) under the following names: Germany INFECTOPYODERM 20 mg/g Salbe United Kingdom MUPIROCIN 20 mg/g ointment This leaflet was last revised in December 2025.
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Frequently asked questions about Mupirocin Ointment 2%
How do I take Mupirocin Ointment 2%?
Mupirocin Ointment 2% comes as ointment. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
What is the active substance in Mupirocin Ointment 2%?
The active substance in Mupirocin Ointment 2% is mupirocin.
Are there equivalent medicines to Mupirocin Ointment 2%?
Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Bactroban Nasal Ointment 2%, Bactroban Ointment 2%, Mupirocin 2% w/w Ointment. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.
Where does this information come from?
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Mupirocin Ointment 2%, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Can I get Mupirocin Ointment 2% without a prescription?
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
About this leaflet
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
- Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc), Datapharm
- Active substance: mupirocin
- Official document: view the original leaflet on emc →
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
4.1. Therapeutic indications
MUPIROCIN ointment is a topical antibacterial agent, 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. MUPIROCIN ointment is used for skin infections, e.g. impetigo, folliculitis, furunculosis in adults, adolescents, children and infants aged 4 weeks and older.
4.2. Posology and method of administration
Posology
Adults (including elderly), adolescents, children and infants aged 4 weeks and older
MUPIROCIN ointment should be applied to the affected area two to three times a day for up to 10 days.
The area may be covered with a dressing or occluded if desired.
Paediatric population
Newborns
MUPIROCIN ointment has not been studied in term and preterm newborn infants under 4 weeks of age and therefore it should not be used in these patients until further data become available.
Renal impairment
Dosage adjustment may be required (see section 4.4).
Hepatic impairment
No dosage adjustment is necessary.
Method of administration
Topical.
Any product remaining at the end of treatment should be discarded.
Do not mix with other preparations as there is a risk of dilution, resulting in a reduction of the antibacterial activity and potential loss of stability of the mupirocin in the ointment.
4.3. Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
This formulation is not suitable for ophthalmic or intranasal use.
4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use
Should a possible sensitisation reaction or severe local irritation occur with the use of MUPIROCIN ointment, treatment should be discontinued, the product should be washed off and appropriate therapy instituted.
As with other antibacterial products, prolonged use may result in overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms.
Pseudomembranous colitis has been reported with the use of antibiotics and may range in severity from mild to life-threatening. Therefore, it is important to consider its diagnosis in patients who develop diarrhoea during or after antibiotic use. Although this is less likely to occur with topically applied mupirocin, if prolonged or significant diarrhoea occurs or the patient experiences abdominal cramps, treatment should be discontinued immediately and the patient investigated further.
Renal impairment
Polyethylene glycol can be absorbed from open wounds and damaged skin and is excreted by the kidneys. In common with other polyethylene glycol based ointments, MUPIROCIN ointment should not be used in conditions where absorption of large quantities of polyethylene glycol is possible, especially if there is evidence of moderate or severe renal impairment.
MUPIROCIN ointment is not suitable for:
• ophthalmic use
• intranasal use
• use in conjunction with cannulae
• at the site of central venous cannulation.
Avoid contact with the eyes. If contaminated, the eyes should be thoroughly irrigated with water until the ointment residues have been removed.
Butylated hydroxytoluene may cause local skin reactions (e. g. contact dermatitis), or irritation to the eyes and mucous membranes.
4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
No drug interactions have been identified.
4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy
Reproduction studies on mupirocin in animals have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus (see section 5.3). As there is no clinical experience on its use during pregnancy, MUPIROCIN ointment should only be used in pregnancy when the potential benefits outweigh the possible risks of treatment.
Breast-feeding
There is no information on the excretion of mupirocin in milk. If a cracked nipple is to be treated, it should be thoroughly washed prior to breast feeding.
Fertility
There are no data on the effects of mupirocin on human fertility. Studies in rats showed no effects on fertility (see section 5.3).
4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines
No adverse effects on the ability to drive or operate machinery have been identified.
4.8. Undesirable effects
Adverse reactions are listed below by system organ class and frequency. Frequencies are defined as:
very common
(≥ 1/10)
common
(≥ 1/100 to <1/10)
uncommon
(≥ 1/1,000 to <1/100)
rare
(≥ 1/10,000 to <1/1,000)
very rare
(<1/10,000).
Common and uncommon adverse reactions were determined from pooled safety data from clinical studies. Very rare adverse reactions were primarily determined from post-marketing experience data and therefore refer to reporting rate rather than true frequency.
Immune system disorders
Very rare:
Systemic allergic reactions including anaphylaxis, generalised rash, urticaria and angioedema have been reported with mupirocin.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Common:
Burning localised to the area of application.
Uncommon:
Itching, erythema, stinging and dryness localised to the area of application. Cutaneous sensitisation reactions to mupirocin or the ointment base.
Paediatric population
Frequency, type and severity of adverse reactions in children are the same as in adults.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.
4.9. Overdose
The toxicity of mupirocin is very low. In the event of accidental ingestion of the ointment symptomatic treatment should be given.
In case of erroneous oral intake of large quantities of the ointment, renal function should be closely monitored in patients with renal insufficiency because of the possible side effects of polyethylene glycol.
💬 Ask about this leaflet
Ask anything about Mupirocin Ointment 2%. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.