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Compare Mupirocin vs. Acyclovir

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Mupirocin (Bactroban, Centany) and acyclovir (Zovirax, Sitavig) are both prescription medications used to treat infections, but they belong to different classes and treat different types of infections. Mupirocin is a topical antibiotic used to treat bacterial skin infections like impetigo, while acyclovir is an antiviral medication used to treat viral infections such as shingles, chickenpox, and genital herpes. Mupirocin is applied as a cream or ointment to the skin three times a day for up to 10 days, whereas acyclovir can be taken orally or applied topically, with dosing frequency varying based on the form and condition being treated. Mupirocin is generally well-tolerated with few side effects, but may cause headache and burning at the application site. Oral acyclovir can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, while topical acyclovir can cause burning at the application site. Additionally, acyclovir requires more frequent dosing, often 4 to 5 times a day, and can increase the risk of kidney problems, particularly in older adults or those who already have kidney problems.

  • Mupirocin
    Acyclovir
  • Mupirocin
    Acyclovir

  • Summary of Mupirocin vs. Acyclovir

    Summary for Antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Mupirocin is a topical antibiotic that's used to treat small areas of bacterial skin infections such as impetigo or a "Staph" infection on the skin. It comes as a cream and an ointment that are applied onto the skin a few times a day for 10 days. This medication can be used on adults or children (over the age of 2 months for the ointment, and over the age of 3 months for the cream). Although mupirocin has very few side effects, some people can experience headache, nausea, or burning at the application site.

    Summary for Antiviral
    Prescription only

    Acyclovir is an antiviral oral medication used to treat infections caused by the herpes virus, including shingles, chickenpox, and genital herpes. It comes as a tablet, capsule, and liquid suspension. Depending on your condition, you might need to take it by mouth 2 to 5 times a day. Acyclovir works best when you start it as soon as symptoms begin. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

  • Indications of Mupirocin vs. Acyclovir

    Indications for
    •Impetigo - ointment
    •Bacterial skin infection that happens after skin gets damaged (e.g., from a cut or other wound) - cream
    Indications for
    •Genital herpes in adults
    •Shingles in adults
    •Chickenpox in people 2 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Mupirocin vs. Acyclovir

    Pros and Const for Antibiotic
    Pros
    •Can use for children as young as 2 months old (ointment) or 3 months old (cream)
    •Can easily apply directly where the skin infection is
    •Generally well-tolerated; few people experience side effects
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Only available by prescription
    •Need to remember to use three times a day
    •Ointment might not be a good option for people with kidney problems because of risk of harm
    Pros and Const for Antiviral
    Pros
    •Available in tablet, capsule, and liquid forms
    •Safe for children 2 years and older
    •Can shorten how long outbreaks last
    •Not many interactions with other medications
    Cons
    •Must be taken multiple times per day
    •Can cause unpleasant stomach side effects, like nausea and diarrhea
    •Not available over the counter
    •Doesn't cure herpes infection

  • Common Side Effects of Mupirocin vs. Acyclovir

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (2%)
    •Burning, stinging, or pain at the application site (up to 2%; more common with ointment)
    •Rash (1%)
    •Nausea (1%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Genital herpes:

    •Nausea/vomiting (3-5%)
    •Diarrhea (2%)

    Shingles

    •Feeling unwell (12%)

    Chickenpox

    •Diarrhea (3%)

  • Warnings of Mupirocin vs. Acyclovir

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic reaction
    •Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
    •Development of hard-to-treat infections
    •Caution use in people with kidney problems (ointment only)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Kidney problems
    •Blood clotting problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Mupirocin vs. Acyclovir

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    Learn more about Acyclovir

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