A broad-spectrum antibiotic that is not related to any of the other antibiotics. It is used for treating bacterial skin infections and is especially useful for nasal infections, since it is active against methicillin-
resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a bacterium that is resistant to many antibiotics and may be carried in the nostrils. Mupirocin is available, on prescription only, as an ointment to be applied to the skin
or nostrils.
Side effects: the ointment may cause stinging on application; contact
with the eyes should be avoided.
Precautions: mupirocin should be used with caution by people with
kidney disease.
Proprietary preparations: Bactroban; Bactroban Nasal.
