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Mupirocin vs. Nyamyc

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

Key takeaways

Mupirocin(Bactroban, Centany)and nystatin are both prescription topical medications used to treat skin infections, but they belong to different medication classes. Mupirocin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial skin infections like impetigo, while nystatin is an antifungal used to treat fungal skin infections, such as yeast infections. Mupirocin is available as a cream and ointment and is applied three times a day for up to 10 days. Nystatin comes in cream, ointment, and powder forms and is applied two to three times a day until the infection heals. Both medications come as a lower-cost generic. While mupirocin is generally well-tolerated, it can cause side effects like headaches and burning at the application site. Nystatin may cause burning, itching, and rash.

Mupirocin

 

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nystatin topical

 

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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 Nyamyc

Prescription only

Nystatin topical is a prescription antifungal you use on your skin to treat certain fungal skin infections, like yeast infections. It's safe for all ages, even babies with diaper rash. Nystatin topical comes as a cream, ointment, or powder. You usually apply it to the affected skin 2 to 3 times a day. Sometimes, it can cause mild side effects like itching or burning where you put it on.

Indications for Nyamyc

Pros and Cons for Nyamyc

Pros

  • Comes as an ointment, cream, and powder
  • Generally well-tolerated with few side effects
  • Safe for all ages, including babies

Cons

  • Applied onto skin multiple times a day
  • Only treats some fungal skin infections, not bacteria or viruses
  • Need a prescription to get it

Common Side Effects for Nyamyc

  • Burning or pain where applied
  • Itching
  • Rash
  • Eczema

Warnings for Nyamyc

  • Use only on your skin

Prices with our coupons for Mupirocin vs. Nyamyc

Price Card Drug Icon
Mupirocin1 tube / 22g of 2%
$11.84$17.13
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Price Card Drug Icon
Nystatin1 tube / 30g of 100000 units/g
$15.80$18.55
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