What is the most important information I should know about Bactroban nasal?
Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.
Bactroban nasal is usually given for 5 days. To best protect you from infection, use this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Bactroban nasal will not treat or prevent a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. Stop using Bactroban nasal and call your doctor at once if you have severe burning or stinging of your nose or eyes.
Do not use other nasal medications at the same time you apply Bactroban nasal.
What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking Bactroban nasal?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to Bactroban. FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Bactroban nasal passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Bactroban nasal should not be used in a child younger than 12 years old.
How should I take Bactroban nasal?
Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.
Bactroban nasal ointment is packaged in single-use tubes. Use one half of the medicine from the tube in your left nostril, and use the other half in your right nostril. After placing the ointment into your nostrils, gently press your nostrils closed and then release them, repeating for about 1 minute to help spread the ointment inside your nose.
Throw the ointment tube away after one use, even if there is still some ointment left in it.
Bactroban nasal is usually given for 5 days. To best protect you from infection, use this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Bactroban nasal will not treat or prevent a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. Store Bactroban nasal at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not refrigerate.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
An overdose of Bactroban nasal is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.
What should I avoid while taking Bactroban nasal?
Avoid getting this medication in your eyes. If this does happen, rinse with water.
Do not use other nasal medications at the same time you apply Bactroban nasal.
Bactroban nasal side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using Bactroban nasal and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
- severe burning or stinging of your nose;
- nosebleed; or
- severe burning or watering of your eyes.
Less serious side effects may include:
- dryness or unpleasant taste in your mouth;
- headache;
- ear pain;
- runny or stuffy nose;
- nausea, diarrhea;
- itching, mild skin rash;
- cough; or
- sore throat.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Bactroban nasal Dosing Information
Usual Adult Dose for Skin and Structure Infection:
Cream:
A small amount applied to the affected area 3 times a day for 10 days.
Ointment:
A small amount applied to the affected area 3 times a day for 7 to 14 days.
Usual Adult Dose for Nasal Carriage of Staphylococcus aureus:
Divide 1/2 of the ointment from the single-use tube between the nostrils and apply twice daily for 5 days.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Skin and Structure Infection:
Cream:
3 months to 16 years:
A small amount applied to the affected area 3 times a day for 10 days.
Ointment:
2 months to 16 years:
A small amount applied to the affected area 3 times a day for 7 to 14 days.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Nasal Carriage of Staphylococcus aureus:
Greater than or equal to 12 years:
Divide 1/2 of the ointment from the single-use tube between the nostrils and apply twice daily for 5 days.
What other drugs will affect Bactroban nasal?
There may be other drugs that can interact with Bactroban nasal. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.