How much and how often should you use the product?

Use this medication only on the skin. Clean and dry the affected area first. Then apply a small amount of ointment to the area as directed by your doctor, usually 3 times a day. You may cover the treated area with a bandage.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. Continue to use it for the full time prescribed, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.

Avoid using this medication around your eyes, nose, mouth, or on large areas of damaged or broken skin unless otherwise directed by your doctor. If you accidentally get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth, rinse well with plenty of water.

Using this ointment for wounds for a long time can cause microscopic organisms, such as bacteria or fungi, to overgrow. You should only use this drug for as long as your doctor recommends.

Mechanism of Action

Mupirocin works by specifically and reversibly binding to bacterial isoleucyl transfer-RNA (tRNA) synthetase, which is an enzyme that triggers the conversion of isoleucine and tRNA to isoleucyl-tRNA. Inhibiting this enzyme leads to the inhibition of the bacterial protein and RNA synthesis. Mupirocin is bacteriostatic but at a lower concentration. It is able to exert bactericidal effects with prolonged exposure, killing approximately 90-99% of susceptible bacteria over a 24-hour timeframe.