Mupirocin topical ointment side effects: A detailed guide

This article describes possible side effects of mupirocin topical ointment. You can explore this overview article to learn more about mupirocin, including the drug’s uses, side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.

Mupirocin topical ointment is a generic version of the brand-name drug Centany. Mupirocin also comes in other topical forms, but these forms aren’t described in this article. To learn more about these forms, talk with your doctor.

More common side effects of mupirocin

Mupirocin topical ointment may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.

Commonly reported side effects of mupirocin topical ointment include:

• burning at the application site
• dry skin at the application site
• itching at the application site
• pain at the application site
• stinging at the application site

Mild side effects of mupirocin

Mupirocin may cause certain mild side effects. Usually, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.

Mild side effects of mupirocin topical ointment that occurred in studies include:

• burning at the application site
• dry skin at the application site
• itching at the application site
• nausea
• pain or tenderness at the application site
• rash or irritation at the application site
• redness or discoloration at the application site
• stinging at the application site
• mild allergic reaction*†

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of mupirocin in detail” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible with mupirocin topical ointment. But it wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies.

Mupirocin topical ointment may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information.

Serious side effects of mupirocin

Mupirocin may cause certain serious side effects. But these side effects are usually rare. If you have any serious side effects from mupirocin topical ointment, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with mupirocin.

Serious side effects of mupirocin topical ointment that occurred in studies include:

• Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (watery or bloody diarrhea)
• eye irritation if the ointment gets in the eye*
• growth of other microorganisms, such as fungi, which can cause an infection
• severe skin irritation at the application site*
• severe allergic reaction*†

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of mupirocin in detail” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible with mupirocin topical ointment. But it wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies.

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Common questions about side effects of mupirocin

Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of mupirocin topical ointment. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

How long do side effects of mupirocin typically last?

It depends. How long side effects of mupirocin last will be different for each person using the ointment.

In general, mild and serious side effects of mupiricon will go away within a few days. If the side effects are bothersome or last longer, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.

Can mupirocin cause nasal side effects?

Yes, mupirocin topical ointment can cause nasal side effects if you use it in your nose. Mupirocin topical ointment isn’t meant to be applied in the nose. It can cause uncomfortable stinging and dryness if you do. There’s a different form of mupirocin that’s made specifically for nasal use. You should not use mupirocin topical ointment in your nose.

You can learn more about the nasal form of mupirocin by talking with your doctor or pharmacist.

Does mupirocin cause long-term side effects?

Yes, in some cases, mupirocin topical ointment may cause long-term side effects. These can occur if you take the drug for a long time.

Examples of long-term side effects reported with mupirocin topical ointment include severe skin irritation at the application site. They also include the growth of other microorganisms, such as fungi, which can cause an infection.

Talk with your doctor to learn more about these side effects and how to manage them. Ask your doctor for more information about how long these side effects of mupirocin may last.

Side effects of mupirocin in detail

Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of mupirocin topical ointment.

Eye irritation

In studies, irritation at the application site was seen in people using mupirocin topical ointment. For this reason, the drug’s manufacturer warns against getting the ointment in your eye. Touching your eye after applying mupiricin topical ointment may lead to serious eye pain, redness, burning, or stinging.

Ways to manage

Do not use mupirocin topical ointment in or around your eyes. Wash your hands after applying mupirocin. If you get the ointment in your eye by accident, rinse your eye well with water. If eye irritation continues, call your doctor. They’ll likely recommend a different treatment that’s less likely to cause this side effect, such as an oral antibiotic.

Severe skin irritation at the application site

In studies, severe skin irritation at the application site was seen in people using mupirocin topical ointment. This side effect may be serious.

Symptoms may include:

• blisters
• crustiness
• rash
• red or discolored, swollen areas
• severe itching
• very dry or cracked skin

Ways to manage

If you experience symptoms of severe irritation, stop using mupirocin topical ointment and call your doctor. They’ll likely recommend ways to ease your symptoms, such as applying a moisturizer or cold, wet cloth. Your doctor may also prescribe a different treatment that’s less likely to cause this side effect, such as an oral antibiotic.

Allergic reaction

For some people, mupirocin topical ointment can cause an allergic reaction.

Symptoms can be mild or serious, and they may include:

• itchiness
• skin rash
• swelling under the skin, usually affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
• swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to mupirocin topical ointment, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.

Warnings for mupirocin

Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking mupirocin topical ointment.

Warnings

It may not be safe for you to use mupirocin topical ointment if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether mupirocin topical ointment is a safe treatment option for you.

Before using mupirocin topical ointment, tell your doctor about your health and medications you take. Things to consider include:

• kidney problems
• past allergic reaction to mupirocin

Mupirocin and pregnancy

It’s not known whether mupirocin topical ointment should be used during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before using this medication.

Mupirocin and breastfeeding

It’s not known whether mupirocin topical ointment should be used while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before using this medication.

If you decide to breastfeed and you’re using mupirocin topical ointment on your breast or nipple, wash the area thoroughly before breastfeeding your child.

Mupirocin and alcohol

Mupirocin topical ointment is not known to interact with alcohol.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it during your treatment with mupirocin topical ointment.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes common and serious side effects of mupirocin topical ointment. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about treatment with this medication.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• Is it common to have side effects when using mupirocin topical ointment?
• How can I prevent side effects with mupirocin topical ointment?
• How do the side effects of mupirocin topical ointment compare to other drugs that could treat my condition?

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.