Bactroban Side Effects
Mar 13, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yan Min
Introduction
Bactroban (generic name: mupirocin) is a topical antibacterial agent used for skin infections. Its main adverse reactions are as follows:
1. When applied topically as an ointment, patients may occasionally experience a burning sensation, stinging, or pruritus at the application site; these symptoms generally do not require discontinuation of treatment. Rarely, allergic skin reactions such as rash or swelling may occur.
2. When administered intranasally, it may cause respiratory tract adverse effects, including rhinitis and pharyngitis.
Bactroban® (mupirocin) is a topical antibacterial ointment whose active ingredient is mupirocin. Its ointment base consists of polyethylene glycol, yielding a off-white, hydrophilic ointment. Mupirocin functions as an inhibitor of isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase—an enzyme essential for bacterial protein synthesis. By selectively inactivating bacterial isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase, mupirocin halts protein biosynthesis, thereby inhibiting bacterial growth. So, what are the side effects of Bactroban®? Below we address this question.
Side Effects of Bactroban®
Bactroban® (mupirocin) is a topical antibacterial agent applied to the skin. Its most commonly reported adverse reactions include the following:
1. With topical ointment application, patients may occasionally experience local burning or stinging sensations, pruritus (itching), or mild skin irritation. These symptoms typically do not necessitate discontinuation of therapy. Rarely, localized allergic skin reactions—such as rash or edema—may occur. Systemic allergic reactions attributable to this ointment are exceedingly rare.
2. When administered as a nasal formulation, mupirocin may cause respiratory tract-related adverse effects—including rhinitis, pharyngitis, and other upper respiratory tract disorders—as well as headache (a nervous system effect).
3. In other formulations, transient, asymptomatic elevations in hepatic enzymes have been rarely reported.
4. Alterations in taste perception (dysgeusia) may also occur.
Additionally, as an antibacterial agent, prolonged use of mupirocin may lead to overgrowth of non-susceptible microorganisms. Therefore, treatment should be continued for the full prescribed duration—even if clinical symptoms improve—until the infection is fully eradicated. Premature discontinuation upon symptom resolution is discouraged. Furthermore, dizziness may occur during treatment. When used in dental procedures, mupirocin may cause xerostomia (dry mouth); salivary flow typically returns to normal after cessation of therapy. Dysgeusia (altered taste sensation) is another potential adverse effect requiring attention.
We hope the above information is helpful to you.
