Mupirocin inhibits bacterial RNA and protein synthesis. It is available only as a 2% topical preparation, which is bactericidal against staphylococci and beta-hemolytic streptococci. Systemic absorption of topical mupirocin is negligible.
Mupirocin is used for
Minor superficial secondarily infected skin lesions
Eradication of Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage, although relapse rates may be high
Chronic therapy leads to mupirocin-resistant staphylococci.
Mupirocin is nontoxic but, when applied to denuded skin or mucous membranes, may cause itching and burning.