Mupirocin

Mupirocin, sold under the brand name Bactroban among others, 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. Out of concerns of developing resistance, use for greater than ten days is not recommended. It is used as a cream or ointment applied to the skin. Common side effects include itchiness and rash at the site of application, headache, and nausea. Long-term use may result in increased growth of fungi. Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding appears to be safe. Mupirocin is chemically a carboxylic acid. It works by blocking a bacterium's ability to make protein, which usually results in bacterial death. Mupirocin was initially isolated in 1971 from Pseudomonas fluorescens. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. In 2023, it was the 171st most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 2 million prescriptions. It is available as a generic medication.