Bactroban Ointment 2% Mupirocin topical antibiotic is a focused product with a specific role. After all, most skin infections in the UK don’t need an antibiotic at all — many impetigo cases resolve with hygiene measures and hydrogen peroxide cream. So Bactroban earns its place when the infection genuinely needs targeted antibiotic action, and when mupirocin is the right choice over alternatives like fusidic acid.
What is Bactroban Ointment for?
Bactroban Ointment 2% is for bacterial skin infections in adults and children. So it’s used for impetigo (a contagious skin infection with golden crusts), folliculitis (inflamed hair follicles), boils, and other localised skin infections caused by bacteria sensitive to mupirocin.
What does it do?
Mupirocin kills bacteria by blocking a specific bacterial enzyme (isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase). As a result, the bacteria can no longer make the proteins they need to survive and multiply. In addition, mupirocin’s mechanism is different from other antibiotics, so cross-resistance with most other antibiotic classes is minimal. The skin infection clears as the bacteria die off and the immune system mops up the rest.
What doesn’t it do?
Bactroban Ointment doesn’t treat fungal skin infections (ringworm, athlete’s foot, candidal infections) or viral infections (cold sores, shingles). So if a rash isn’t bacterial, mupirocin won’t help — and using it inappropriately just contributes to antibiotic resistance. In addition, this ointment isn’t for use in the nose (Bactroban Nasal Ointment is a different product) or in the eyes. It also isn’t a substitute for oral antibiotics in widespread or severe skin infections
Courier Pharmacy supply
Bactroban Ointment 2% is a UK Prescription-Only Medicine (POM). So supply only happens after our UK-qualified prescriber reviews your online consultation. In short, if our prescriber decides another approach would suit better — hydrogen peroxide, fusidic acid, oral antibiotics, or GP referral — we’ll explain that clearly.
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Bactroban Ointment 2% is a topical antibiotic containing mupirocin. So, it’s used for bacterial skin infections — most commonly impetigo, folliculitis (inflamed hair follicles), and boils. It’s the brand product made by GSK, with several generic mupirocin ointments also available. Important: under current UK guidance, Bactroban is no longer the first-line choice for impetigo — hydrogen peroxide cream and fusidic acid usually come first, with mupirocin reserved for MRSA-related infections or fusidic acid resistance. After all, the goal is to preserve mupirocin’s effectiveness against tough infections, so it’s prescribed thoughtfully rather than routinely.
At Courier Pharmacy, we believe in treatment that fits the person.
This page covers what Bactroban Ointment is, when it’s the right choice (and when it isn’t), how to use it well, and the safety points that genuinely matter — including why the 10-day maximum course isn’t arbitrary.
Five key takeaways
Bactroban Ointment 2% is a UK Prescription-Only Medicine (POM). So supply only happens after a UK-qualified prescriber reviews your symptoms, photos if needed, and infection history. No over-the-counter version exists
The active ingredient is mupirocin 2% in a water-soluble polyethylene glycol base. So it’s a topical antibiotic that works against Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA) and other common skin bacteria
Particularly useful for impetigo, folliculitis, boils, and other localised bacterial skin infections — especially when MRSA is suspected, or when fusidic acid resistance has been documented
Important antibiotic stewardship point: under current UK guidance, mupirocin isn’t first line for most impetigo. Instead, hydrogen peroxide 1% cream (Crystacide) or fusidic acid usually come first. Mupirocin is reserved for specific clinical situations
Use 2-3 times daily for a maximum of 10 days. So that 10-day limit isn’t arbitrary — it’s about preventing mupirocin resistance, which would leave fewer options for serious MRSA infections in the future
Where Bactroban Ointment fits in UK skin infection treatment
The current UK approach follows a stepped path for impetigo:
Step 1: Hygiene measures — wash with soap and water, cover lesions, change towels and pillowcases daily, avoid sharing items
Step 2: Hydrogen peroxide 1% cream (Crystacide) — the first-line non-antibiotic option for localised non-bullous impetigo in non-systemically-unwell people
Step 3: Topical fusidic acid 2% cream or ointment (Fucidin) — if hydrogen peroxide isn’t suitable or the infection is more severe
Step 4: Topical mupirocin (this product) — if fusidic acid resistance is suspected or MRSA is documented
Step 5: Oral antibiotics (flucloxacillin first-line, clarithromycin if penicillin-allergic) — for widespread, bullous, or systemic impetigo
Step 6: Specialist input — for recurrent, severe, or treatment-resistant cases
So Bactroban Ointment usually sits at Step 4. In short, when our prescriber considers Bactroban, it’s because the situation specifically calls for mupirocin over the alternatives.
Bactroban Ointment vs Bactroban Cream vs Bactroban Nasal Ointment
There are three Bactroban products. So choosing between them depends on what’s being treated:
Bactroban Ointment (this product): for skin infections like impetigo, folliculitis, and boils; PEG base; mupirocin free acid
Bactroban Cream: for secondarily infected traumatic skin lesions (small cuts, sutured wounds, abrasions up to 10cm); cream base; mupirocin calcium
Bactroban Nasal Ointment: for nasal MRSA carriage decolonisation; white soft paraffin base; mupirocin calcium
The three products are not interchangeable — each is licensed for specific uses, and the bases are formulated differently
Critically, Bactroban Ointment (skin) and Bactroban Nasal Ointment are different — don’t use the skin ointment in the nose
Bactroban vs generic mupirocin
This is straightforward:
Both contain mupirocin 2% w/w
Both work identically against bacterial skin infections
Both have the same dosing (2-3 times daily for up to 10 days)
Both have the same safety profile
The difference is brand vs generic — and price
Our prescriber may issue either, depending on availability and clinical preference
Mupirocin vs other topical antibiotics
The UK has several topical antibiotics for skin infections. So it’s worth understanding when each suits best:
Mupirocin (Bactroban): active against Staphylococcus including MRSA; reserved for specific situations to limit resistance
Fusidic acid (Fucidin): first-line topical antibiotic for most impetigo; resistance has become more common, which is why mupirocin is sometimes needed
Hydrogen peroxide 1% cream (Crystacide): not an antibiotic but kills bacteria; first-line for localised impetigo; helps preserve antibiotics
Neomycin and bacitracin (Neosporin, Polyfax): older topical antibiotics, less commonly prescribed
Silver sulfadiazine (Flamazine): for burns and ulcers, different indication
Who Bactroban Ointment suits well
This product particularly works well for people who have:
Localised impetigo with suspected or documented MRSA
Impetigo where fusidic acid hasn’t worked (suggesting fusidic acid resistance)
Open burns or large wounds — different products needed
Allergy to mupirocin or polyethylene glycol
Nasal MRSA carriage — Bactroban Nasal Ointment is the correct product
Severely impaired kidney function with large open wounds — PEG absorption may be a concern
Courier Pharmacy supply
Bactroban Ointment 2% is a UK Prescription-Only Medicine (POM). So supply only happens after our UK-qualified prescriber reviews your online consultation. In short, if our prescriber decides another approach would suit better — hydrogen peroxide, fusidic acid, oral antibiotics, or GP referral — we’ll explain that clearly.
Why choose Courier Pharmacy for Bactroban Ointment
At Courier Pharmacy, our approach starts with a simple idea: treatment should fit the person, not force the person to fit the system.
Dr Ada Jex-Cori
Our service is shaped by the philosophy of Dr Ada Jex-Cori, our brand pharmacist.
Dr Ada represents the spirit of the pharmacy: evidence-led, community-rooted, and willing to challenge the one-size-fits-all approach to medicine. She is named in honour of three pioneering women in science: Ada Lovelace, the mathematician and visionary; Sophia Jex-Blake, the first female doctor in the UK who fought the medical establishment; and Gerty Cori, the biochemist and Nobel Prize winner.
In our fictional world of Ethrewell, Dr Ada fights against pharma’s standardised approach to medicine. In the real world, she represents what we stand for. Her view is straightforward: you are not broken. The system is. And we are here to change that.
Antibiotic stewardship — the right tool, not the strongest tool
Many online pharmacies will sell whatever antibiotic the customer asks for. Courier Pharmacy is different. So we apply current UK guidance on antibiotic stewardship:
Most skin infections don’t actually need an antibiotic — hygiene measures and hydrogen peroxide cream often work
When a topical antibiotic is needed, the first-line option is usually fusidic acid, not mupirocin
Mupirocin is reserved for situations where it’s the right choice — MRSA suspicion, fusidic acid resistance, specific clinical indications
Bactroban earns its place in the right cases, but isn’t a routine first reach
This isn’t about denying treatment — it’s about choosing the right treatment
After all, mupirocin resistance is rising in the UK. So protecting mupirocin’s effectiveness against MRSA matters for everyone — your future infections, your family’s infections, and the wider community.
Honest assessment before prescription
Our prescriber will discuss:
Whether the rash is actually bacterial (photos help with this)
Whether hydrogen peroxide cream or fusidic acid would suit better as first-line treatment
Whether MRSA suspicion or fusidic acid resistance specifically calls for mupirocin
Whether oral antibiotics are actually needed (widespread, severe, or systemic infection)
Whether GP review or specialist input is the right next step
How to use Bactroban correctly if it’s prescribed
Skin infections and the bigger picture
Recurrent skin infections often signal something else worth investigating. So our pharmacist can discuss:
Atopic eczema as a setup for skin infections — bacterial colonisation is part of the picture
Diabetes and recurrent boils
Nasal MRSA carriage as a reservoir for skin infections
Hidradenitis suppurativa and other recurrent skin conditions
When recurrent infections suggest immune issues worth checking
How emollients (Dermol 500 with antimicrobials) might reduce bacterial colonisation between flares
Sometimes treating the skin infection clears the immediate problem — but the underlying pattern needs different attention.
Pharmacist support before and after purchase
Our pharmacist is here to discuss:
Whether Bactroban Ointment is the right choice for your situation
How to use it correctly to maximise effectiveness
Hygiene measures alongside treatment
What to do if symptoms don’t improve
How to handle recurrence or new symptoms
When to see your GP for further investigation
This is free and on hand before and after purchase.
Trust earned, not claimed
We are GPhC-regulated, and our content is grounded in NHS, BNF, EMC, and NICE guidance.
If Bactroban Ointment isn’t the right answer for your situation, we’ll tell you honestly. After all, prescribing the right treatment matters more than fulfilling a request.
How to buy Bactroban Ointment from Courier Pharmacy
Bactroban Ointment 2% is a UK Prescription-Only Medicine (POM). So supply needs a prescription. Our prescriber issues this after an online consultation, often with photos of the affected skin.
How our service works
Add Bactroban Ointment to your basket and complete the online consultation. The consultation covers your symptoms, duration, location of the rash, prior treatments, allergies, and other relevant medical history
Photos of the affected skin help our prescriber assess whether the rash is likely bacterial and whether mupirocin is the right antibiotic — you may be asked to upload these
Our UK-qualified prescriber reviews your answers to confirm whether Bactroban is suitable. So if extra information is needed, or if a different treatment would suit better, we’ll get in touch
Once approved, your prescription is dispensed and sent out in plain, unbranded packaging
Free pharmacist and prescriber support is on hand before and after your purchase
When other options might suit better
If Bactroban Ointment isn’t the right product for your situation, we’ll explain why. Other options may include:
Hygiene measures alone — for very mild, limited impetigo
Fusidic acid 2% cream or ointment (Fucidin) — first-line topical antibiotic when needed
Oral flucloxacillin — for widespread, bullous, or systemic infection
Oral clarithromycin — for penicillin-allergic patients with significant infection
Bactroban Cream — for secondarily infected small traumatic wounds
Bactroban Nasal Ointment — for nasal MRSA carriage decolonisation
Dermol 500 Lotion — for ongoing low-level antimicrobial action in eczema-prone skin
Antifungal cream (clotrimazole, miconazole, terbinafine) — if the rash is fungal
Antiviral treatment — for cold sores, shingles, herpes
GP referral — for recurrent, widespread, or systemic infections
Specialist dermatology referral — for complex or treatment-resistant cases
Our community service
Our free fortnightly drop-in clinics at Insomnia, Derby run every other week from 10am to 12pm.
Healthcare shouldn’t only happen when you’re paying for it. So we show up, even when it’s free.
We cover dermatology, skin infections, eczema, psoriasis, MCAS, CFS, fibromyalgia, allergies, asthma, hair loss, men’s and women’s health, digestive health, weight management, and whatever else people bring through the door. No appointment needed, no charge, no pressure.
Active ingredients
Each gram of Bactroban Ointment contains:
Mupirocin 20mg (2% w/w mupirocin free acid): a topical antibiotic that kills bacteria by blocking their protein synthesis
Why mupirocin
Mupirocin is unusual among antibiotics. So it deserves a quick explanation:
Originally discovered in soil bacteria (Pseudomonas fluorescens)
Has a unique mechanism — it blocks bacterial isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase, an enzyme bacteria need to build proteins
Effective against the bacteria that cause most skin infections — particularly Staphylococcus aureus, including MRSA
Also active against streptococci and some Gram-negative bacteria
Doesn't share its mechanism with other antibiotic classes, so cross-resistance is minimal
However, mupirocin resistance can develop with prolonged or repeated use — which is why the 10-day maximum matters
In short, mupirocin works well, but it's a valuable antibiotic worth protecting. Therefore, current UK guidance reserves it for situations where simpler options aren't appropriate.
Why the polyethylene glycol (PEG) base
Bactroban Ointment uses a water-soluble polyethylene glycol (PEG) base rather than the white soft paraffin base of many ointments. So this matters in three ways:
The ointment washes off skin and clothes easily with water
It doesn't leave the heavy greasy residue of paraffin-based ointments
PEG can be absorbed across broken skin — so don't use over large open wounds or burns where kidney problems exist
In practice, the PEG base makes Bactroban Ointment easier to use on most skin infections, although it adds a kidney safety consideration for severely broken skin in people with kidney impairment.
Other ingredients
Beyond mupirocin and the PEG base, Bactroban Ointment is a simple formulation. The full ingredient list is in the patient information leaflet supplied with the product.
What is Bactroban Ointment used for?
Bactroban Ointment 2% is for bacterial skin infections in adults and children. So it's used for impetigo (a contagious skin infection with golden crusts), folliculitis (inflamed hair follicles), boils, and other localised skin infections caused by bacteria sensitive to mupirocin.
Who is it for?
This product is for people with confirmed or strongly suspected bacterial skin infections where mupirocin is the right antibiotic choice. So that typically means impetigo with suspected MRSA involvement, folliculitis, boils, or skin infections where fusidic acid resistance has been documented. It's prescribed by our UK-qualified prescriber after reviewing your symptoms — usually with photos of the affected area.
What does it do?
Mupirocin kills bacteria by blocking a specific bacterial enzyme (isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase). As a result, the bacteria can no longer make the proteins they need to survive and multiply. In addition, mupirocin's mechanism is different from other antibiotics, so cross-resistance with most other antibiotic classes is minimal. The skin infection clears as the bacteria die off and the immune system mops up the rest.
What doesn't it do?
Bactroban Ointment doesn't treat fungal skin infections (ringworm, athlete's foot, candidal infections) or viral infections (cold sores, shingles). So if a rash isn't bacterial, mupirocin won't help — and using it inappropriately just contributes to antibiotic resistance. In addition, this ointment isn't for use in the nose (Bactroban Nasal Ointment is a different product) or in the eyes. It also isn't a substitute for oral antibiotics in widespread or severe skin infections.
This product is for people with confirmed or strongly suspected bacterial skin infections where mupirocin is the right antibiotic choice. So that typically means impetigo with suspected MRSA involvement, folliculitis, boils, or skin infections where fusidic acid resistance has been documented. It's prescribed by our UK-qualified prescriber after reviewing your symptoms — usually with photos of the affected area.
How Bactroban Ointment works
Mupirocin is unusual among antibiotics in both mechanism and source. So it deserves a closer look at how it actually clears a skin infection.
The mupirocin mechanism
Mupirocin works at the bacterial protein-building level:
Applied ointment soaks into the upper skin layer where bacteria are living
Mupirocin enters bacterial cells through their outer membrane
Inside the bacterium, mupirocin binds to a specific enzyme called isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase
This enzyme is essential for bacterial protein production
With the enzyme blocked, bacteria can't make new proteins
Bacterial growth stops, and many die off
The body's immune system then mops up the remaining bacteria
The skin infection clears over several days
Importantly, human cells don't have this exact enzyme structure — so mupirocin attacks bacteria specifically without significantly affecting your own cells. In short, that's why topical mupirocin is well-tolerated for most people.
Why mupirocin works against MRSA
MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is resistant to many common antibiotics because it has acquired specific resistance genes. So why does mupirocin still work?
MRSA's resistance is mainly to beta-lactam antibiotics (penicillins, cephalosporins)
Mupirocin works on a completely different bacterial target (the tRNA synthetase enzyme)
Mupirocin remains effective against most MRSA strains
However, mupirocin-specific resistance can develop in MRSA — which is why thoughtful prescribing matters
Why the 10-day maximum matters
The 10-day limit isn't arbitrary. So here's why it exists:
Most bacterial skin infections clear within 7-10 days of mupirocin treatment
Continuing beyond 10 days doesn't usually help and adds resistance risk
Mupirocin resistance is increasingly reported when prolonged or repeated courses are used
Once a bacterium develops mupirocin resistance, the antibiotic becomes useless for that strain
Mupirocin is one of the few effective topical options for MRSA — preserving it matters for everyone
If symptoms haven't improved after 7-10 days, the diagnosis or treatment needs review, not extension
In short, the 10-day rule is part of broader antibiotic stewardship. After all, every appropriate course preserves antibiotic effectiveness for future infections.
How to use Bactroban Ointment
This summary is for reference only. The definitive guide is the patient information leaflet supplied with the product. So if anything isn't clear, contact our pharmacist or prescriber.
Standard application
How to use Bactroban Ointment effectively:
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water
Gently clean the affected skin area with mild soap and water
Pat the skin dry with a clean towel — don't share towels with others while using
Squeeze a small amount of ointment onto a cotton bud or your clean fingertip
Apply a thin layer to the affected area — covering the lesion without slathering it on
If your prescriber has advised a dressing, apply this over the ointment
Wash your hands again after application
Repeat 2-3 times daily, as directed by your prescriber
Continue for the full course, even if the infection looks better after a few days
Don't continue beyond 10 days without specific prescriber advice
How much to use
Less than you'd think. Specifically:
A thin layer that covers the affected area is enough
Mupirocin works through contact with the skin, not by quantity
Slathering on more ointment doesn't make it work faster
A small dot the size of a match head usually covers an area of a few square centimetres
The 15g tube should last a normal 10-day course for typical impetigo
When you should see improvement
Most people notice improvement within 3-5 days. So:
Redness and inflammation should start to settle
Crusts (golden yellow in impetigo) should reduce
New lesions should stop appearing
If you don't see improvement by day 5, contact our pharmacist or your GP
Continue the full prescribed course even if it looks better — to clear all bacteria
If symptoms come back after stopping, contact our prescriber
Stopping treatment
Two scenarios:
If the infection has cleared by the end of the prescribed course: stop as planned
If symptoms haven't improved by day 5-7: contact our prescriber for review rather than continuing blindly
If symptoms get worse, develop fever, or spread: stop and contact a GP urgently
Don't extend the course beyond 10 days without specific advice
Don't save partial tubes for future use — antibiotic supplies should be used as prescribed and discarded
Hygiene measures alongside Bactroban
Mupirocin alone isn't enough. So hygiene measures help the medicine work and limit spread:
Wash hands thoroughly after touching the affected area
Use a separate towel that isn't shared with others
Change pillowcases and clothing in contact with lesions daily
Wash clothes and bedding at 60°C where possible to kill bacteria
Cover lesions with a loose dressing if practical (reduces spread)
Don't pick or scratch the lesions — this spreads bacteria
Stay off school or work if you have impetigo, until lesions have crusted over or 48 hours after starting treatment
Food and drink
Bactroban Ointment is for external use only. So it doesn't interact with food or drink. However, general good nutrition supports immune function and faster healing.
Warnings and precautions
Don't use Bactroban Ointment if
Don't use Bactroban Ointment if you:
Have a known allergy to mupirocin or any other ingredient
Need to apply it inside the nose — Bactroban Nasal Ointment is a different product specifically formulated for nasal use
Need to apply it to the eyes — get medical advice if accidental eye contact happens
Are using it on a rash that hasn't been confirmed as bacterial — antibiotics don't help fungal or viral conditions, and inappropriate use drives resistance
Use with care if
Talk to our prescriber before using if you:
Have severely impaired kidney function — the polyethylene glycol base can be absorbed through large areas of broken or burnt skin and accumulate
Have very extensive open wounds or burns where large quantities would be needed
Are pregnant or breastfeeding — speak to your GP first
Have eczema or other ongoing skin conditions affecting the same area
Have a history of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea or pseudomembranous colitis
The 10-day rule
The maximum 10-day course matters:
Continuing beyond 10 days raises the risk of mupirocin resistance developing
Resistant bacteria can't be killed by mupirocin in future
If symptoms haven't cleared by 10 days, the situation needs prescriber review — not more mupirocin
Possible reasons for non-response: wrong diagnosis (fungal, viral, or non-infectious), resistant bacteria, deeper infection needing oral antibiotics, or an underlying skin condition
Severe skin reactions or allergic response
Severe local skin reactions or true allergy to mupirocin are uncommon but possible:
Stop using Bactroban Ointment immediately if you develop new burning, itching, redness, or swelling
Wash the area thoroughly with water
Seek medical advice if symptoms are significant
Severe allergic reaction (facial swelling, breathing difficulty, widespread rash) is a medical emergency
Pseudomembranous colitis
This is a rare but serious antibiotic complication. Specifically:
Some antibiotics can disturb the normal bowel bacteria, allowing Clostridioides difficile to overgrow
This causes severe diarrhoea, sometimes bloody, often with cramping and fever
Topical mupirocin has very low systemic absorption from intact skin, so this is much less likely than with oral antibiotics
However, it has been reported — particularly when mupirocin is applied to large open wounds
Stop Bactroban and seek urgent medical help if you develop persistent or severe diarrhoea while using it
Overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms
As with all antibiotics, prolonged use can allow other bacteria or fungi to overgrow:
Thrush (candidal infection) can develop in treated areas with prolonged use
Other bacteria not sensitive to mupirocin can colonise the area
This is part of why the 10-day maximum exists
If new symptoms develop during or after treatment, contact our pharmacist or GP
Use in older adults
Older adults can use Bactroban Ointment, but two specific points apply:
Kidney function may be reduced with age — if you have known kidney problems and large open areas to treat, talk to our prescriber first
Skin may be more fragile, so apply gently with clean hands
Use in babies and children
Bactroban Ointment is licensed for use in children over 1 year. So:
Children's impetigo is common and Bactroban is sometimes the right choice
Apply with clean hands and supervise younger children to stop them rubbing it into eyes
Cover lesions where practical to limit spread between children
Keep affected children off school/nursery until lesions crust over or 48 hours of treatment
For infants under 1 year, specialist input is needed
Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding
Talk to your GP first:
Mupirocin should be used in pregnancy only when the benefits clearly outweigh any potential risks
Animal studies don't show reproductive harm, but human pregnancy data is limited
If breastfeeding, don't apply to areas where the baby might come into direct contact (such as the nipple) — and wipe away any residue thoroughly before feeding
Excretion in breast milk is unknown, but systemic absorption from skin is low
Driving and machinery
Bactroban Ointment has no effect on driving or operating machinery.
Side effects
Bactroban Ointment is generally well-tolerated. Most side effects are mild and resolve when the product is stopped.
Common side effects (up to 1 in 10 people)
Burning sensation at the site of application
Local skin irritation, redness, or itching
Uncommon side effects (up to 1 in 100 people)
Contact dermatitis (allergy to the ointment itself)
Dryness of treated skin
Rare but serious side effects
Severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis — medical emergency
Severe skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme) — medical emergency
Pseudomembranous colitis (severe diarrhoea with possible blood, fever, cramping) — rare with topical use but possible
Local overgrowth of resistant bacteria or fungi with prolonged use
Stop and seek urgent medical advice if
You develop signs of severe allergic reaction (swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; trouble breathing)
You develop a severe rash, blistering, or peeling skin
You have persistent or severe diarrhoea, with or without blood
You develop a fever along with worsening of the skin infection
The treated area becomes significantly more painful, red, or swollen
Lesions spread quickly despite treatment
Yellow Card reporting
You can report suspected adverse drug reactions to the MHRA via the Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk. Reporting helps build the safety picture for everyone.
Drug interactions
Bactroban Ointment is for external use only, with minimal systemic absorption from intact skin. So it has no known interactions with oral medicines.
Skin-related considerations
The main considerations are with other topical products:
Don't mix Bactroban Ointment with other topical products in the same application — this can dilute the mupirocin and reduce its effectiveness
If using other topical treatments to the same area, apply at different times of day
Emollients (Doublebase, Cetraben, Diprobase): can be used to surrounding skin, but apply at separate times from Bactroban
Topical steroids: usually not combined with Bactroban; if both are needed, prescriber will advise on timing
Cosmetics and makeup: avoid covering the treated area with cosmetics
Sunscreens: can be applied to surrounding skin but not over the treated area
Not relevant interactions
No significant interactions with:
Oral medications of any kind in typical use
Most foods or drinks
Alcohol
Common over-the-counter medicines
Frequently asked questions
Is Bactroban the same as mupirocin?
Yes. Bactroban is GSK's brand name for mupirocin. So the active ingredient is identical to generic mupirocin ointment, although the brand product carries the GSK label. Our prescriber may issue either brand or generic — both work the same way.
Why isn't Bactroban first-line for impetigo any more?
Antibiotic stewardship. After all, mupirocin is one of the few effective topical antibiotics against MRSA, so preserving its effectiveness matters. Current UK guidance recommends:
Hygiene measures alone for very mild localised impetigo
Hydrogen peroxide 1% cream as the first-line non-antibiotic option
Fusidic acid as the first-line topical antibiotic if needed
Mupirocin (Bactroban) reserved for fusidic acid resistance, MRSA suspicion, or specific clinical situations
In short, this isn't about denying treatment — it's about choosing the right treatment for each situation.
How quickly does Bactroban work?
Most people see improvement within 3-5 days. So:
Days 1-2: Some reduction in burning, itching, or new lesions forming
Days 3-5: Visible improvement in redness and crusting
Days 5-7: Most impetigo lesions largely healing
Days 7-10: Course completes — most infections cleared
If no improvement by day 5, contact our prescriber for review
Can I use Bactroban Ointment in my nose?
No. The skin formulation isn't safe for the nose — the bases are different. For nasal use, Bactroban Nasal Ointment is the separate, specifically-formulated product. So if you need to decolonise nasal MRSA carriage, our prescriber will issue Bactroban Nasal Ointment rather than this product.
Can I use it on cold sores?
No. Cold sores are caused by herpes simplex virus, not bacteria. So antibiotics don't help. For cold sores, antiviral creams (aciclovir, penciclovir) are the right approach. Using Bactroban on a cold sore just contributes to antibiotic resistance without treating the actual infection.
Can I use Bactroban for acne?
No. Acne involves a different bacterium (Cutibacterium acnes) and a different process (blocked oil glands plus inflammation). Topical mupirocin isn't licensed or effective for acne. Acne treatments include benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids, or specific acne antibiotics — talk to our pharmacist or GP about appropriate options.
Why is the maximum 10 days?
Preventing resistance. So mupirocin is one of the few effective topical antibiotics against MRSA, and resistance can develop quickly with prolonged use. Therefore:
Most infections clear in 7-10 days with proper treatment
Going beyond 10 days doesn't usually help
Resistant bacteria are harder to treat in future
If symptoms haven't cleared by day 10, the situation needs review — not more mupirocin
Can children use Bactroban?
Yes, for children over 1 year. So most childhood impetigo cases can be treated with Bactroban (or fusidic acid first-line) once a prescriber has confirmed the diagnosis. Important practical points:
Apply with clean hands and supervise application in younger children
Don't let children rub treated skin and then touch eyes
Cover lesions where practical
Keep children off school or nursery until 48 hours of treatment or until lesions have crusted over
Children under 1 year need specialist input rather than online prescription
Can I use it during pregnancy?
Talk to your GP first. While topical mupirocin has limited systemic absorption, human pregnancy safety data is limited. So your GP can decide whether the benefits clearly outweigh any potential risk. Animal studies don't show reproductive harm.
Can I use it while breastfeeding?
With care. Specifically:
Don't apply to areas your baby will directly contact (such as the nipple)
If treating a cracked nipple is needed, wash off thoroughly before each feed
Excretion of mupirocin in breast milk is unknown, but systemic absorption from skin is low
Talk to our prescriber or GP for personal advice
What if I miss an application?
Apply it as soon as you remember, then continue your normal schedule. Don't apply double quantities to make up for a missed dose. Importantly, complete the full prescribed course — stopping early can leave bacteria alive that may cause symptoms to return or develop resistance.
Can I drink alcohol while using Bactroban?
Yes. Alcohol doesn't interact with topical mupirocin. So normal moderate alcohol intake is fine during treatment. However, the underlying infection — particularly if you're feeling unwell with it — may itself be a reason to take it easy.
What if my infection comes back after treatment?
Don't restart Bactroban without prescriber review. Specifically:
Recurrent infection may suggest the bacteria are mupirocin-resistant
It may also suggest an underlying cause (eczema, diabetes, immune issues, nasal MRSA carriage)
Different treatment may be needed second time round
Contact our prescriber or your GP rather than self-treating recurrence
Is the brand Bactroban better than generic mupirocin?
No. Both contain mupirocin 2% w/w in the same therapeutic form. So both work identically. The brand product carries the GSK label and is sometimes more expensive — although generic mupirocin from UK makers (ADVANZ, Esteve, InfectoPharm) is equally effective. Our prescriber may issue either depending on availability.
How should I store Bactroban?
Storage:
Below 25°C
Don't freeze
Replace the cap securely after use
Keep out of sight and reach of children
Don't share tubes between household members
Don't use after the expiry date
Don't save partial tubes for future use
How do I order from Courier Pharmacy?
Add Bactroban Ointment to your basket on courierpharmacy.co.uk and complete the online consultation. Our prescriber will review (often with photos of the affected area) and confirm whether mupirocin is suitable. Your order goes out in plain, unbranded packaging.
More than a prescription: our community
Healthcare shouldn't only happen when you're paying for it.
Every fortnight we run free drop-in talks and clinics at Insomnia, Derby, from 10am to 12pm. So we show up, even when it's free.
Bring a question, bring a friend, bring a stack of bewildering letters from another clinic. We'll sit with you.
We cover dermatology, skin infections, eczema, psoriasis, MCAS, CFS, fibromyalgia, allergies, asthma, hair loss, men's and women's health, digestive health, weight management, and whatever else people bring through the door. No appointment. No cost. No pressure. Just real support and treatment that fits.
Disclaimer: This article is for information only and isn't a substitute for personal medical advice. Always speak to a qualified prescriber before starting or changing treatment.
How this content was created
Written by the Courier Pharmacy editorial team and reviewed by a GPhC-registered pharmacist.
The content is grounded in the latest NHS, BNF, EMC, and NICE guidance — including NICE NG153 on impetigo antimicrobial prescribing. In addition, it draws on the real questions patients bring to our drop-in clinics in Derby.
[2] National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2020) Impetigo: antimicrobial prescribing — NICE guideline NG153. Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng153
