Mupirocin, Topical
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Mupirocin, Topical during a consultation by Dr Noor.”
Key Information
- Mupirocin is an antibiotic medicine that you put on the skin. It is used for skin infections caused by bacteria.
- After you put it on, do not let your pet lick or clean the treated spot for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Keep it away from your pet’s eyes.
- Side effects do not happen often. If they do, you may notice redness or itching where you applied it.
- Wash your hands after you apply it.
Note: This handout is meant to answer common questions. It does not include every detail about this medicine. It also does not replace medical guidance from your veterinary care team.
Description
- Antibiotic medicine used on the skin.
- Comes as creams and ointments.
Other common names
- Bactroban
- Centany
- Muricin
- Pseudomonic Acid A
Uses
Uses approved in animals:
- Used to treat bacterial skin infections in dogs.
Your veterinarian may also choose to use this medicine in other animals or for other purposes (this is called extra-label use), such as:
- Treating bacterial skin infections in cats.
Before this medication is given
No medicine is completely safe for every animal. Talk with your veterinarian about:
- Any other medicines or supplements your pet is taking.
- Any health problems your pet has now, or has had before.
- Any bad reactions your pet has had to medicines in the past.
- What risks there may be if your pet is pregnant or nursing.
Warnings for animals
Do not use:
- If your pet is allergic to mupirocin or to polyethylene glycol (a common ingredient used in some products).
- In the eyes.
- For more than 30 days.
Use with caution:
- If you would be putting it on a large area of skin or on deep wounds.
- If your pet is pregnant, nursing, or used for breeding.
Some animal competitions do not allow certain medicines. If your animal competes, check the rules while your animal is taking this medicine.
Warnings for humans
- After you handle any medicine, wash your hands.
- If you are allergic to mupirocin, wear gloves or do not handle it.
How do I give this medication?
Use it exactly the way your veterinarian prescribed.
- Clean the affected skin area(s) first, if your veterinarian told you to do so.
- Do not let the tip of the tube touch the sore area(s). This helps keep the tube from getting contaminated.
- Put on enough medicine to fully cover the affected area(s).
- Do not get mupirocin in your pet’s eyes.
- After applying, do not allow your pet to lick or groom the treated area(s) for 20 to 30 minutes.
Side effects
Common — contact your veterinarian if any of these signs are strong, keep happening, or get worse over time:
- Pain, redness, or itching where the medicine was applied.
Severe — stop giving the medicine and contact your veterinarian right away if you notice any of these signs:
- Drinking more than usual or urinating more than usual. These can be signs of kidney problems.
- Low energy, skin rashes, trouble breathing, or pale gums. These can be signs of a rare allergic reaction.
How will I know it’s working?
You should notice your pet’s signs slowly improving during the full treatment period.
Call your veterinary clinic if your pet’s signs get worse or do not get better.
How long will the medication effects last?
This medicine will no longer work within 24 hours after the last dose.
How long do I give it for?
This medicine may be used for different lengths of time. Give it for the full time your veterinarian tells you. You may need a refill.
Overdose
When used on the skin, giving too much is not likely. However, side effects or poisoning can happen if your pet eats the medicine. If this happens, contact your veterinarian for next steps.
If possible, have the product or the label with you.
Missed dose
In most situations, if you forget a dose:
- Give it as soon as you remember, and then go back to the usual schedule.
If it is almost time for the next dose:
- Do not give the missed dose.
- Give the next dose at the regular time.
- Keep following the normal schedule.
If you are not sure what to do, call your veterinary clinic. Do not give two doses at once and do not give extra doses.
Storage
- Keep at room temperature.
- Store where children and animals cannot reach it.
Disposal
Do not flush this medicine in the toilet and do not pour it into a sink.
Ways to get rid of unused or expired medicine include:
- Home disposal: Put it in the regular household trash.
Do not keep leftover medicine for later use and do not give it to anyone else.
Questions?
Speak with your veterinarian.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”
Related Medication Information
- Bacitracin, Topical
- Gentamicin, Topical
- Gentamicin/Betamethasone, Topical
- Triple Antibiotic, Topical
- Betamethasone, Topical