OINTMENT
Mupirocin (2% w/w)
Consumer Medicine Information
NOTICE: This Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) is intended for persons
living in Australia. This page contains answers to some common
questions about . It does
not contain all the information that is known about
. It does not take the
place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist. All medicines have risks
and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risk of you using this medicine
against the benefits he/she expects it will have for you. If you have
any concerns about using this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
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What is BACTROBAN ointment used for?
BACTROBAN ointment contains mupirocin (2% w/w) as the active ingredient.
Mupirocin belongs to a group of medicines called antibiotics. Antibiotics work by killing bacteria which can cause infection.
BACTROBAN ointment is used for the treatment of mild impetigo (school sores).
BACTROBAN ointment is for use on your skin only.
Your doctor may have prescribed BACTROBAN ointment for another reason.
BACTROBAN ointment is not addictive.
Before you use BACTROBAN ointment
Do not use if:
You must not take BACTROBAN ointment if:
you have ever had an allergic reaction to mupirocin or any of the ingredients listed toward the end of this leaflet. (See
"Ingredients").
the expiry date (EXP) printed on the pack has passed.
the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering
the ointment shows visible signs of deterioration. Check with your pharmacist.
Tell your doctor if:
You must tell your doctor if:
you are allergic to foods, dyes, preservatives or any other medicines.
you are taking any other medicines, including medicines you buy without a prescription.
you are breastfeeding, pregnant or trying to become pregnant.
How do I use BACTROBAN ointment?
Follow your doctor's instructions about how and when to use BACTROBAN ointment. Please read the direction label carefully.
If you have any questions about BACTROBAN ointment and how to use it, please ask your doctor or pharmacist.
How much to use
Use BACTROBAN ointment as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
The usual recommendation is for a small amount to be applied to the affected area three times a daily.
How to use it
Always wash your hands before and after applying BACTROBAN ointment.
With a piece of clean cotton wool or a gauze swab, apply a small quantity of BACTROBAN ointment to cover the affected area.
After applying the ointment, you may cover the treated area with a sterile bandage or gauze dressing, unless your doctor has
told you to leave it uncovered.
How long to use it for
Do not stop using BACTROBAN ointment, or change the dose without first checking with your doctor.
Use BACTROBAN ointment for as long as your doctor or pharmacist tells you to. BACTROBAN ointment is usually applied for up
to 10 days.
It is important that you take the full course of BACTROBAN ointment. Do not stop early as your symptoms may disappear before
the infection is fully cleared.
If you miss a dose
If you forget an application, apply some BACTROBAN ointment as soon as you can, then continue as before.
Use in children
The use of BACTROBAN ointment in children under two years of age is not recommended.
What do I do if I take too much? (Overdose)
Immediately telephone your doctor or Poisons Information Centre (telephone 131126) for advice, if you think you or anyone
else may have swallowed a large quantity of BACTROBAN ointment, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
If you are not sure what to do, contact your doctor, pharmacist or nearest hospital.
While you are using BACTROBAN ointment
Things you must do
Tell your doctor if, for any reason, you have not used your medicine exactly as directed.
Otherwise, your doctor may think that it was not working as it should and change your treatment unnecessarily.
Keep the ointment away from your eyes. If BACTROBAN ointment is accidentally applied to the eyes, wash the eyes thoroughly
with water.
If you are using BACTROBAN ointment on a cracked nipple, wash the nipple well before breast feeding your baby.
Stop using BACTROBAN ointment and tell your doctor if you develop an allergic reaction (such as a rash, local pain or swelling).
Things you must not do
Do not give this medicine to anyone else, even if their symptoms seem similar to yours.
Do not use BACTROBAN ointment to treat any other complaints unless your doctor says to.
Things to be careful of
Do not use BACTROBAN ointment to treat infections in or near the eyes, nostrils or mouth. If BACTROBAN ointment is accidentally
applied to the eyes, wash the eyes thoroughly with water.
Do not use BACTROBAN ointment to treat areas of skin near tubes inserted into your body for the delivery or removal of fluid
(cannulae).
BACTROBAN ointment contains polyethylene glycol. Do not use BACTROBAN ointment on large areas of broken or damaged skin,
especially if you suffer from reduced kidney function.
Do not mix BACTROBAN ointment with any other preparation. They may prevent BACTROBAN ointment from working.
What are the side-effects?
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you think you are experiencing any side effects or allergic reactions due to
taking BACTROBAN ointment, even if the problem is not listed below.
Like other medicines, BACTROBAN ointment can cause some side-effects. If they occur, they are most likely to be minor and
temporary. However, some may be serious and need medical attention.
The most commonly reported side-effects are:
Itching
Dryness
Burning
Redness
Stinging
Pain
Swelling
Allergic reactions can occur if BACTROBAN ointment is applied to open or infected wounds.
Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following:
Swelling, itching, burning or pain in the area where BACTROBAN ointment is applied.
Wheezing, swelling of the lips/mouth, difficulty in breathing, hayfever, lumpy rash (hives) or fainting. These could be symptoms
of an allergic reaction.
This is not a complete list of all possible side-effects. Others may occur in some people and there may be some side-effects
not yet known.
Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side-effects. You may not experience any of them.
How do I store BACTROBAN ointment?
Keep this medicine where children cannot reach it, such as in a locked cupboard.
You should keep BACTROBAN ointment in the original pack below 25 degrees C. Do not freeze the ointment.
Do not leave in a car, on a window sill or in the bathroom.
Return any unused or expired medicine to your pharmacist.
Product description
What BACTROBAN ointment looks like
BACTROBAN ointment is a white ointment supplied in 15g tubes.
Ingredients
BACTROBAN ointment contains the active ingredient Mupirocin.
BACTROBAN ointment also contains polyethylene glycol (Macrogol 400 and Macrogol 3350).
Sponsor
GlaxoSmithKline Australia Pty Ltd
1061 Mountain Highway
Boronia
Victoria, 3155
Australia.
Where to go for further information
Pharmaceutical companies are not in a position to give people an individual diagnosis or medical advice. Your doctor or pharmacist
is the best person to give you advice on the treatment of your condition.
This leaflet was prepared on 11 November 2010
The information provided applies only to BACTROBAN® ointment.
BACTROBAN® is a registered trade mark of the GlaxoSmithKline group of companies.
BACTROBAN ointment: AUST R 11145
©2010 GlaxoSmithKline
Version 2.0