Mupiderm 5Gm OINTMENT

Mupiderm 5Gm OINTMENT is a topical antibiotic medication used to treat bacterial skin infections.

Active Ingredient: The primary active ingredient in Mupiderm Ointment is Mupirocin (2% w/w).

What is Mupirocin and How it Works: Mupirocin is an antibiotic that works by stopping the growth of certain bacteria. It specifically inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to an enzyme called isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase, which is essential for bacteria to make the proteins they need to survive and multiply. This unique mechanism of action means it generally doesn’t have cross-resistance with other classes of antibiotics.

Uses of Mupiderm 5Gm OINTMENT: Mupiderm Ointment is primarily used for the topical treatment of:

• Impetigo: A highly contagious bacterial skin infection, particularly common in children, characterized by red sores that quickly rupture, ooze, and form a yellowish-brown crust. It’s often caused by Staphylococcus aureus (including some MRSA strains) and Streptococcus pyogenes.
• Folliculitis: Inflammation or infection of hair follicles.
• Furunculosis (Boils): Painful, pus-filled lumps that form under the skin when bacteria infect hair follicles.
• Secondary bacterial infections: It can also be used to treat infections that occur in skin damaged by other conditions like eczema, dermatitis, minor cuts, wounds, abrasions, or insect bites.
• Prevention of infection: In some cases, it may be used to prevent bacterial infections in minor cuts, scrapes, or wounds, including post-surgical care on stitched areas.

Important Note: Mupirocin is not effective against fungal or viral infections.

How to Use Mupiderm 5Gm OINTMENT:

• External use only: This ointment is for topical application on the skin.
• Clean the affected area: Gently wash and dry the affected skin area before applying the ointment.
• Apply a thin layer: Apply a small amount of the ointment to the affected area. You can use a clean cotton swab or gauze pad for application.
• Frequency: Typically applied three times daily, or as directed by your doctor.
• Duration: The usual duration of treatment is 3 to 10 days, depending on the severity of the infection. It is crucial to complete the full course of treatment, even if your symptoms improve, to ensure the infection is completely cleared and to prevent the development of antibiotic resistance.
• Covering (Optional): The treated area may be covered with a sterile gauze dressing if advised by your doctor, especially if the area is large or prone to rubbing.
• Wash hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying the ointment.

Common Side Effects: Side effects are usually mild and occur at the application site:

• Burning sensation
• Stinging sensation
• Itching
• Redness (erythema)
• Dry skin
• Pain
• Tenderness
• Rash
• Nausea (less common, as systemic absorption is minimal)

Serious Side Effects (Rare – Seek immediate medical attention if you experience these):

• Severe allergic reaction: Symptoms like a widespread rash, hives, severe itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing.
• Severe local irritation: If the application site irritation becomes severe, discontinue use and consult your doctor.
• Persistent or severe diarrhea: Especially if it’s watery or bloody, as it could be a sign of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (though rare with topical antibiotics, it’s a known risk with almost all antibiotics).

Important Considerations and Warnings:

• Not for internal use: Do not use in the eyes, inside the nose (unless specifically prescribed for nasal colonization of MRSA), or mouth. If accidental contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.
• Not for large open wounds/burns: Mupiderm ointment contains polyethylene glycol, which can be absorbed from large open wounds or damaged skin. This can be a concern for patients with kidney problems, as polyethylene glycol is removed by the kidneys.
• Resistance: Prolonged or repeated use of antibiotics, including topical ones, can lead to the overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms, including fungi. If your infection does not improve or worsens, consult your doctor.
• Children: Safety and effectiveness have been established for children 2 months of age and older.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult your doctor before using this medication if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. While systemic absorption is minimal, it’s always best to discuss with a healthcare professional.
• Drug Interactions: No significant systemic drug interactions are typically identified with topical mupirocin due to minimal systemic absorption. However, always inform your doctor about all other medications you are using.

Manufacturer: Mupiderm Ointment is manufactured by several companies depending on the region. For instance, Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Ltd. in Bangladesh, and Simca Laboratories Pvt Ltd. and Subira Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd. in India produce Mupiderm or similar Mupirocin ointments.

Always use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. This information is for general knowledge and does not replace professional medical advice.