What Is Bactroban? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Bactroban is a brand name for mupirocin, a topical antibiotic that has been one of the most trusted treatments for bacterial skin infections since receiving FDA approval in 1997. If your doctor has prescribed Bactroban — for you or your child — here is a complete, plain-language guide to what it is, what it treats, how to use it, and what to watch for.

What Is Bactroban (Mupirocin)?

Bactroban is the brand name for mupirocin, a naturally derived antibiotic originally isolated from the bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens. It belongs to a class of antibiotics called isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase inhibitors — a mechanism entirely unique to mupirocin, meaning bacteria resistant to other antibiotic classes may still be susceptible to mupirocin.

Bactroban is available as:

Bactroban Ointment 2%: 22g tube; polyethylene glycol base; approved for impetigo

Bactroban Cream 2%: 15g or 30g tube; oil-in-water emulsion base; approved for secondarily infected traumatic skin lesions

Bactroban Nasal 2%: Single-use 1g tubes (mupirocin calcium); used for MRSA nasal decolonization — this is a separate formulation, not interchangeable with the topical ointment

Generic versions of all three formulations are widely available as "mupirocin."

What Is Bactroban Used For?

Bactroban is FDA-approved for:

Impetigo — a highly contagious bacterial skin infection most common in children, characterized by honey-colored crusted sores, usually on the face or extremities. Caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes.

Secondarily infected traumatic skin lesions — small cuts, scrapes, or wounds that have become infected with staph or strep bacteria (Bactroban Cream)

Off-label (provider-directed) uses include:

MRSA nasal colonization eradication (pre-surgical decolonization) using the nasal formulation

Infected eczema / atopic dermatitis

Minor folliculitis or infected hair follicles

How Do You Use Bactroban?

For topical ointment (impetigo) and cream (infected wounds):

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after applying

Apply a small amount (about the size of a pea) to the affected area using a cotton swab, gauze pad, or clean fingertip

Rub in gently — the treated area may be covered with a sterile gauze dressing if desired

Apply 3 times daily (every 8 hours) for up to 10 days, or as directed by your provider

Complete the full course of treatment even if your symptoms improve early — stopping early can allow bacteria to return and develop resistance

If there is no improvement within 3–5 days, contact your healthcare provider.

What to Avoid While Using Bactroban

Do not apply to the eyes, nose, or inside the mouth

Do not apply other creams, lotions, or ointments at the same time on the same area

Do not use on large burns or extensive open wounds (use a separate wound care approach with your provider's guidance)

Is Bactroban a Controlled Substance?

No. Bactroban (mupirocin) is not a controlled substance. It has no potential for abuse or addiction. You do not need a DEA-registered prescriber to prescribe it, and it can be prescribed freely via telehealth platforms. However, it is still a prescription-only medication — you cannot purchase it OTC without a doctor's order.

How to Get Bactroban and Find It in Stock

Once you have a prescription, generic mupirocin is widely available at most chain and independent pharmacies. If you're having difficulty finding it, medfinder calls pharmacies near you to check current stock and texts you the results. medfinder covers all prescription medications — not just shortage drugs.