Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Ssd vs. Bactroban

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

Key takeaways

Silver sulfadiazine (SSD) and mupirocin are both topical antibiotics, but they are used for different types of skin infections. Silver sulfadiazine (SSD), available under brands like Silvadene and Thermazene, is primarily used to treat or prevent infections in second- and third-degree burns. It works by damaging the protective coverings of bacteria. On the other hand, mupirocin, known by the brand name Bactroban, is used to treat small areas of bacterial skin infections such as impetigo or Staph infections. Mupirocin works by blocking bacteria from making certain proteins they need to survive. SSD is typically applied once or twice a day, while mupirocin needs to be applied two to three times a day for up to 10 days. SSD is not recommended for pregnant women close to their due dates or for people with severe kidney or liver issues, whereas mupirocin should be used cautiously in people with kidney problems when using the ointment form. Both medications are available by prescription only and can cause side effects like skin irritation and allergic reactions.

  • Silver sulfadiazine (SSD)
    Mupirocin
  • Silver sulfadiazine (SSD)
    Mupirocin

  • Summary of Ssd vs. Bactroban

    Summary for Antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Silver sulfadiazine (SSD) is an antibiotic cream used to treat or prevent serious skin infections caused by second- or third-degree burns. Silver sulfadiazine (SSD) is typically applied once or twice a day, after the wound has been cleaned. This medication can cause some side effects, such as rash or skin redness. Rarely, it can lead to serious allergic reactions. Silver sulfadiazine (SSD) is available by prescription only.

    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.

  • Indications of Ssd vs. Bactroban

    Indications for
    •Prevention and treatment of infections caused by second- and third-degree burns
    Indications for
    •Impetigo - ointment
    •Bacterial skin infection that happens after skin gets damaged (e.g., from a cut or other wound) - cream

  • Pros and Cons of Ssd vs. Bactroban

    Pros and Const for Antibiotic
    Pros
    •Works well against many different kinds of bacteria
    •Can help prevent infections caused by skin burns
    •Can be used with dressing, if needed
    Cons
    •Shouldn't be used if you have a sulfa allergy
    •Not recommended for pregnant females, especially those close to their due dates
    •Might not be the best choice if you have severe kidney or liver issues
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Ssd vs. Bactroban

    Common Side Effects for
    •Temporary low number of white blood cells
    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%)

  • Warnings of Ssd vs. Bactroban

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic and skin reactions
    •Changes in levels of blood cells
    •Possible risk of fungal infections
    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)

  • Prices with our coupons for Ssd vs. Bactroban

    Learn more about Silver sulfadiazine
    Learn more about Mupirocin

Compare other Wound Care and Skin Infection drugs

Neosporin vs SilvadeneSilvadene vs BactrobanSilvadene vs PolysporinMetronidazole vs MupirocinMupirocin vs AcyclovirMupirocin vs BacitracinMupirocin vs ClindamycinMupirocin vs NeosporinMupirocin vs NystatinMupirocin vs PolysporinMupirocin vs TriamcinoloneNeosporin vs CortisporinPolysporin vs BacitracinVigamox vs Cortisporin
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.