Is Bactroban Nasal (mupirocin) still available?

No. Bactroban Nasal (mupirocin) is no longer available in the United States.

Why was Bactroban Nasal (mupirocin) discontinued?

It's unknown why Bactroban Nasal (mupirocin) was discontinued by its manufacturer. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn't listed any reason for [discontinuation](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/index.cfm?event=overview.process&ApplNo=050703). It's possible that it was removed from the market because it was no longer needed.

Bactroban Nasal

Q: What is Bactroban Nasal (mupirocin)?

Bactroban Nasal (mupirocin) is an antibiotic ointment that treats infections in your nose caused by a bacteria called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ([MRSA](https://www.cdc.gov/mrsa/community/index.html)). It works by binding to an enzyme (protein) in the bacteria, which stops them from making proteins necessary for survival. The medication is typically applied in each nostril twice daily for 5 days.

Q: What can I take to replace Bactroban Nasal (mupirocin)?

If you used Bactroban Nasal (mupirocin) in the past or if you currently have an infection in your nose, discuss other options with your healthcare provider. Depending on the nature of your infection, your provider will recommend an alternative medication that's best for you.

mupirocin

Used for Upper Respiratory Infection

Bactroban Nasal (mupirocin) is used to treat nose infections in people over the age of 12. It's an ointment that's safe to use directly in your nose, but it can sometimes cause stuffy nose, changes in taste, and sore throat. Bactroban Nasal (mupirocin) is no longer available because it was discontinued in the United States.

Reviewed by:

Shifali Patel, PharmD

Allison Gourley, PharmD

Last reviewed on January 6, 2022

What is Bactroban Nasal (mupirocin)?

Are you looking for information on mupirocin (Centany) topical for skin infections instead?

Drug facts

Common Brands	Bactroban Nasal(brand no longer available)
Drug Class	Topical antibiotic
Controlled Substance Classification	Not a controlled medication
Generic Status	No lower-cost generic available
Availability	Discontinued

Common Brands

Bactroban Nasal(brand no longer available)

Drug Class

Topical antibiotic

Controlled Substance Classification

Not a controlled medication

Generic Status

No lower-cost generic available

Availability

Discontinued

Common questions about Bactroban Nasal

Bactroban Nasal is an antibiotic ointment that treats infections in your nose caused by a bacteria called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). It works by binding to an enzyme (protein) in the bacteria, which stops them from making proteins necessary for survival. The medication is typically applied in each nostril twice daily for 5 days.

No. Bactroban Nasal is no longer available in the United States.

It's unknown why Bactroban Nasal was discontinued by its manufacturer. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn't listed any reason for discontinuation. It's possible that it was removed from the market because it was no longer needed.

If you used Bactroban Nasal in the past or if you currently have an infection in your nose, discuss other options with your healthcare provider. Depending on the nature of your infection, your provider will recommend an alternative medication that's best for you.

Bactroban Nasal (mupirocin) dosage

Typical dosage for Bactroban Nasal (mupirocin)

Interactions between Bactroban Nasal (mupirocin) and other drugs

Bactroban Nasal (mupirocin) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Bactroban Nasal (mupirocin). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.