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Mupirocin vs. Bacitraycin Plus Original

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

Key takeaways

Mupirocin (Bactroban, Centany) and bacitracin (Bacitraycin Plus Original) are both topical antibiotics, but they have different uses and availability. Mupirocin is a prescription-only medication used to treat bacterial skin infections like impetigo and infections from damaged skin. It comes in cream and ointment forms and is applied three times a day for up to 10 days. Bacitracin, on the other hand, is available over the counter and is used to prevent infections in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. It is typically applied one to three times daily. While mupirocin can cause side effects like headache and burning at the application site, bacitracin is generally well-tolerated, though it can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people. Mupirocin should not be used on open wounds or large areas of damaged skin, especially in people with kidney problems, due to the risk of absorption and potential side effects. Bacitracin is not meant for treating existing infections and should only be used for minor injuries.

Mupirocin

 

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Bacitracin

 

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Summary for Mupirocin

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.

Indications for Mupirocin

  • Impetigo - ointment
  • Bacterial skin infection that happens after skin gets damaged (e.g., from a cut or other wound) - cream

Pros and Cons for Mupirocin

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

Common Side Effects for Mupirocin

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

Warnings for Mupirocin

  • Severe allergic reaction
  • Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
  • Development of hard-to-treat infections
  • Caution use in people with kidney problems (ointment only)

Summary for Bacitraycin Plus Original

Over-the-counter

Bacitracin is a topical antibiotic ointment that's used to help prevent skin infections from small cuts, scrapes, and burns. It's available over the counter (OTC) and generally can be used in both children and adults. The ointment is typically applied 1 to 3 times a day to the affected area(s) of the skin. Side effects aren't very common, but if you develop a rash, you'll need to stop using it and contact your provider.

Indications for Bacitraycin Plus Original

  • Preventing bacterial infections in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns

Pros and Cons for Bacitraycin Plus Original

Pros

  • Can be used to prevent infections from minor skin injuries
  • Very few side effects
  • Available over the counter as a lower-cost, generic medication
  • A good option for those with allergies to other topical antibiotics

Cons

  • Might need to use a few times per day
  • Can be messy to use
  • Not meant for long-term use
  • Can't be used to treat infections

Common Side Effects for Bacitraycin Plus Original

Side effects aren't common. See Risks and Warnings.

Warnings for Bacitraycin Plus Original

  • Allergic reaction
  • Use only on your skin
  • Not for wounds caused by a viral or fungal infection

Prices with our coupons for Mupirocin vs. Bacitraycin Plus Original

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Mupirocin1 tube / 22g of 2%
$11.84$17.13
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Bacitracin1 tube / 3.5g of 500 units/g ophthalmic
$44.39$113.99
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