Bactroban Nasal Ointment

The active substance mupirocin calcium kills (staphylococcus) bacteria that are resistant to other antibiotics.

 How to use Bactroban nasal ointment 

Place a small amount of Bactroban, about the size of a match head, on your little finger. Apply this to the inside of both nostrils. Press the sides of your nose together to spread the ointment around the nostrils. Wash your hands.

Avoid contact with your eyes. If the ointment gets into your eyes accidentally, wash them thoroughly with water.

 Dosage 

The nasal ointment should be used as directed by your doctor. The recommended dose is:

Adults: Apply a small amount of Bactroban to your nose two to three times a day (in both nostrils). Bactroban is usually prescribed as a five to seven-day course.

 If you use more/forget to use Bactroban nasal ointment 

If you use more ointment than you should, don’t worry. However, if your nose is severely irritated or if you swallow any of the ointment, talk to a doctor.

If you forget to apply Bactroban, apply it as soon as you remember and then continue as before.

Do not use this Bactroban nasal ointment if you are allergic to any of the ingredients (see section 'What Bactroban nasal ointment contains').

 When should Bactroban nasal ointment used with caution? 

There are some additional warnings associated with the use of Bactroban nasal ointment:

• If you develop a severe allergic reaction (which causes symptoms such as skin rash, local pain, skin swelling or shortness of breath), wash off the ointment and stop using it. Consult a doctor about prescribing an alternative medicine.
• Do not use Bactroban nasal ointment for longer than prescribed by your doctor. Increased resistance rates have been associated with increased use.

 Pregnancy/breastfeeding 

Bactroban nasal ointment is safe to use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking this medicine, or any other medicines.

 Driving and operating machines 

This medicine does not affect your reaction time.

Other medicines and Bactroban nasal ointment Tell your doctor if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. This is important, because Bactroban nasal ointment can affect the way some medicines work and some medicines can have an effect on Bactroban nasal ointment. Your doctor will know whether these medicines can be taken alongside Bactroban nasal ointment.

This medicine may have side effects, although not everyone gets them. The side effects that are known to be associated with Bactroban nasal ointment include:

Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):

• Runny nose.
• Itching, redness, burning, tingling or stinging of the nose.

Very rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people):

• Itching, redness, tingling or stinging of the nose.
• Local or general allergic reactions. These reactions can manifest in various ways, such as:
• Widespread itchy rash.
• Local pain, skin swelling, swelling of the face or mouth which may cause shortness of breath.
• Severe, life-threatening allergic reaction to certain substances (anaphylactic reaction).
• If you experience any of these symptoms, stop using Bactroban nasal ointment, remove any ointment residue and contact your doctor immediately.

Consult a doctor if you experience side effects. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet.

The active substance is mupirocin calcium. Each gram of nasal ointment contains mupirocin calcium equivalent to 20 mg mupirocin.

 How to store this medicine 

Keep all medicines out of reach children. Store below 25°C.