Bactroban Side Effects

Generic name: mupirocin topical

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 9, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Bactroban Side Effects associated with mupirocin topical. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Bactroban.

Applies to mupirocin topical: nasal ointment.

Other dosage forms:

• topical cream, topical ointment

Common side effects of Bactroban

Some side effects of mupirocin topical may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• headache
• ear pain

Less common

• burning or stinging in the nose
• change in taste
• itching
• sore throat
• stuffy or runny nose

Serious side effects of Bactroban

Along with its needed effects, mupirocin topical (the active ingredient contained in Bactroban) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking mupirocin topical:

Rare

• bloody nose
• rash

Incidence not known

• abdominal or stomach tenderness
• cough
• difficulty with swallowing
• dizziness
• fast heartbeat
• fever
• hives or welts, itching, or skin rash
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• redness of the skin
• severe abdominal or stomach cramps and pain
• tightness in the chest
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• watery and severe diarrhea, which may also be bloody

For healthcare professionals

Applies to mupirocin topical: compounding powder, nasal ointment, topical cream, topical kit, topical ointment.

Dermatologic

Nasal Ointment:

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pruritus/itching
• Frequency not reported: Rash
• Postmarketing reports: Cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions

Topical Cream:

• Common (1% to 10%): Rash, pruritus, cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions
• Frequency not reported: Dry skin, erythema, cellulitis, dermatitis, hives

Topical Ointment:

• Common (1% to 10%): Pruritus/itching, erythema, dry skin/dryness
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Contact dermatitis, furunculosis, exfoliative dermatitis, rash, cutaneous sensitization reactions^[Ref]

Nasal Ointment: Cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions have been reported very rarely during postmarketing experience.

Topical Ointment: Cutaneous sensitization reactions to the active component or ointment base have been reported.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Frequency not reported: Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea

Nasal Ointment:

• Frequency not reported: Diarrhea, dry mouth, nausea

Topical Cream:

• Common (1% to 10%): Diarrhea, nausea
• Frequency not reported: Abdominal pain, ulcerative stomatitis

Topical Ointment:

• Frequency not reported: Nausea^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Postmarketing reports: Systemic allergic reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis, generalized rash, urticaria, angioedema)^[Ref]

Systemic allergic reactions have been reported during postmarketing experience very rarely.^[Ref]

Local

Nasal Ointment:

• Common (1% to 10%): Burning, irritation, tingling, itching, stinging, soreness, facial pain over maxillae

Topical Cream:

• Common (1% to 10%): Application site reactions, application site burning, application site hypersensitivity reactions (including urticaria, pruritus, erythema, burning sensation, contact dermatitis, rash)

Topical Ointment:

• Common (1% to 10%): Burning, stinging, pain/swelling at application site, dryness, itching, erythema
• Frequency not reported: Increased exudate, application site reactions^[Ref]

Nervous system

Nasal Ointment:

• Common (1% to 10%): Taste perversion, headache

Topical Cream:

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache
• Frequency not reported: Dizziness^[Ref]

Ocular

Nasal Ointment:

• Common (1% to 10%): Conjunctivitis
• Frequency not reported: Blepharitis, burning, tearing^[Ref]

Other

Nasal Ointment:

• Common (1% to 10%): Burning/stinging
• Frequency not reported: Ear pain

Topical Cream:

• Frequency not reported: Bleeding or pain secondary to eczema, secondary wound infection

Topical Ointment:

• Common (1% to 10%): Burning/stinging/pain
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Systemic reactions (not otherwise specified)
• Frequency not reported: Tenderness, swelling, increased exudate^[Ref]

Respiratory

Nasal Ointment:

• Common (1% to 10%): Postnasal drip, sinusitis, rhinitis, respiratory disorder (including upper respiratory tract congestion), pharyngitis, cough
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Nasal mucosa reactions
• Frequency not reported: Epistaxis^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• Bactroban - is there anything comparable available over the counter?
• Can I use mupirocin ointment for diaper rash?
• Can mupirocin heal or help with eczema?
• Can mupirocin be used for athletes foot?
• Can mupirocin cream be used for bed sores?

Further information

Bactroban side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer