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.
