Sometimes, a small wound, scrape, or insect bite on your skin can become infected and pus can start to ooze out, right? When you go to the doctor, he or she may prescribe a cream or ointment. Mupirocin is a commonly prescribed medication for such cases. So today, let's talk about Mupirocin, how to use it, and what you need to be careful about.
What is Mupirocin?
Simply put, Mupirocin is an antibiotic. But this is not a medicine that we take. This is a cream or ointment that is applied to the skin. Its main function is to control bacterial infections on the skin. That is, this medicine kills harmful bacteria on the skin or stops their growth. In Sri Lanka, you can see it under various brand names like Bactroban and Mupiban.
Things to tell your doctor before using the medicine
Okay, now there are a few things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine. Don't hide these things, because it could affect your health.
- If you have any kidney disease .
- If you have burns or skin damage that spreads over a large area .
- If you have a gastrointestinal disease such as colitis.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to Mupirocin, or to any other medicine, food, or dye .
- If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, you should definitely tell your doctor about this.
Sharing this information with your doctor is very important for your safety.
How exactly do you use this medicine?
To get the most out of this, it is essential to know how to use the medicine correctly.
1. For external use only: This is a topical medication only. Do not take it by mouth for any reason.
2. Hand washing: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after applying the medicine. However, if you are applying the medicine to an infection on your hands, wash your hands only before applying the medicine.
3. Take care of your eyes: Do not let it get into your eyes. If you accidentally get it in your eyes, rinse your eyes thoroughly with clean water.
4. Follow your doctor's instructions: Use it exactly as your doctor says, for the correct amount of time, at the correct time. Don't use it more than you think you should.
5. Use the medicine for the full duration: The most important thing is to use the medicine for the full duration of the prescribed period. Do not stop the medicine just because the wound has healed a little. If you stop, the bacteria may not be completely destroyed and the infection may come back more severely.
6. How to apply: When applying the medicine, apply a thin layer to the infected area.
7. Covering the wound: After applying the ointment, you can cover it with a sterile gauze dressing if necessary. But never use an airtight bandage like plastic.
8. Young children: Special care should be taken when giving this medicine to young children. Therefore, follow the doctor's instructions exactly.
What do you do if you forget to take your medicine?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a dose twice just to make up for a forgotten dose.
What if the medicine is used too much?
If you think you have accidentally taken too much of this medicine, or if someone has taken it in their mouth, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Side effects that may occur when using the medicine
Like any medicine, Mupirocin can cause side effects in some people. Although most of these are minor, there are some things we should be aware of.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Severe skin reactions | Inflammation, severe itching, peeling skin, or crusting at the site of application. |
| Severe diarrhea | Severe, watery diarrhea with fever (this can happen very rarely). |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Minor skin problems | Slight dryness, redness, or slight itching at the application site. |
Pay attention to other things too.
If your symptoms (e.g., wound oozing, redness) do not improve despite medication, or if they seem to get worse, tell your doctor immediately.
Also, if you develop diarrhea while using this medication, without taking over-the-counter medication, if it lasts more than two days or is severe, see your doctor immediately.
How to store the medicine?
- Keep this medicine out of the reach of small children and pets .
- Store at normal room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius).
- Do not store in the fridge.
- If it is expired, do not use it and discard it.
The most important thing is that this medicine is for you only. Do not give it to someone else who has the same symptoms as you. Because even if they have the same symptoms, the condition may be different.
Take-Home Message
- Mupirocin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections on the skin.
- Use the medicine for the full period prescribed by the doctor. Do not stop halfway just because the wound has healed.
- This is for skin use only. Never take it by mouth or get it in your eyes.
- Tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have (especially kidney disease), allergies, and pregnancy.
- If severe itching, redness, swelling occurs at the site of application, or if the condition worsens, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others.
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