Bactroban Ointment 15g

BACTROBAN(TM)OINTMENT

Mupirocin

Consumer Medicine Information

What is in this leaflet?

Please read this leaflet carefully before you use BACTROBAN ointment.

This leaflet answers some common questions about BACTROBAN ointment. It does not contain all of the available information.

It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

All medicines have risks and benefits. Sometimes new risks are found even when a medicine has been used for many years. Your doctor has weighed the expected benefits of you using BACTROBAN ointment against the risks this medicine could have for you.

If you are helping someone else to use BACTROBAN ointment, read this leaflet before applying the first application.

If you have any concerns about using this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Keep this leaflet with the medicine.

You may need to read it again.

What is BACTROBAN ointment used for?

BACTROBAN ointment contains mupirocin (2% w/w) as the active ingredient.

Mupirocin belongs to a group of medicines called antibiotics. Antibiotics work by killing bacteria which can cause infection.

BACTROBAN ointment is used for the treatment of mild impetigo (school sores).

BACTROBAN ointment is for use on your skin only.

Your doctor may have prescribed BACTROBAN ointment for another reason.

BACTROBAN ointment is not addictive.

Before you use BACTROBAN ointment

Do not use if:

You must not take BACTROBAN ointment if:

  • you have ever had an allergic reaction to mupirocin or any of the ingredients listed toward the end of this leaflet. (See “Ingredients”). Signs of an allergic reaction may include an itchy skin rash, shortness of breath and swelling of the face or tongue.
  • the expiry date (EXP) printed on the pack has passed.
  • the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering
  • the ointment shows visible signs of deterioration. Check with your pharmacist.
  • Tell your doctor if:

    You must tell your doctor if:

  • you are allergic to foods, dyes, preservatives or any other medicines.
  • you have used BACTROBAN ointment before and became unwell.
  • you are taking any other medicines, including medicines you buy without a prescription.
  • you are breastfeeding, pregnant or trying to become pregnant. The use of BACTROBAN ointment has not been studied in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • How do I use BACTROBAN ointment?

    How much to use

    Follow your doctor`s instructions about how and when to use BACTROBAN ointment. Please read the direction label carefully. If you have any questions about BACTROBAN ointment and how to use it, please ask your doctor or pharmacist.

    How to use it

    Always wash your hands before and after applying BACTROBAN ointment.

  • Squeeze a small amount onto your fingertip and apply to the affected area three times each day. Your doctor may tell you to cover the area with a dressing after you have applied BACTROBAN ointment.

    How long to use it for

    Do not stop taking BACTROBAN ointment, or change the dose without first checking with your doctor.

    Use BACTROBAN ointment for as long as your doctor or pharmacist tells you to. BACTROBAN ointment is usually applied for up to 10 days.

  • Use in children

    The use of BACTROBAN ointment in children under two years of age is not recommended.

    What do I do if I take too much? (Overdose)

    Immediately telephone your doctor or Poisons Information Centre (telephone 131126) for advice, if you think you or anyone else may have swallowed a large quantity of BACTROBAN ointment, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. Be sure to show the doctor the BACTROBAN ointment tube or pack.

    If you are not sure what to do, contact your doctor, pharmacist or nearest hospital.

    While you are using BACTROBAN ointment

    Things you must do

    Tell your doctor if, for any reason, you have not used your medicine exactly as directed.

  • Otherwise, your doctor may think that it was not working as it should and change your treatment unnecessarily.

    If you forget an application, apply some BACTROBAN ointment as soon as you can, then continue as before.

    If your infection does not improve within 1 week of starting treatment or becomes worse, check with your pharmacist or doctor.

    Stop using BACTROBAN ointment and tell your doctor if you develop an allergic reaction (such as a rash, local pain or swelling).

    Things you must not do

    Do not give this medicine to anyone else, even if their symptoms seem similar to yours.

    Do not use BACTROBAN ointment to treat any other complaints unless your doctor says to.

    Things to be careful of

    Do not use BACTROBAN ointment to treat infections in or near the eyes, nostrils or mouth. If BACTROBAN ointment is accidentally applied to the eyes, wash the eyes thoroughly with water.

    BACTROBAN ointment contains polyethylene glycol. Do not use BACTROBAN ointment on large areas of broken or damaged skin, especially if you suffer from reduced kidney function.

    Do not mix BACTROBAN ointment with any other preparation. They may prevent BACTROBAN ointment from working.

    What are the side-effects?

    Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you think you are experiencing any side effects or allergic reactions due to taking BACTROBAN ointment, even if the problem is not listed below.

    Like other medicines, BACTROBAN ointment can cause some side-effects. If they occur, they are most likely to be minor and temporary. However, some may be serious and need medical attention.

    Most unwanted effects reported after using BACTROBAN ointment are mild and occur in the area where the ointment is applied. Some people may develop itching, dryness, burning, redness, stinging, pain or swelling when applying BACTROBAN ointment, but this should quickly go away.

    Allergic reactions can occur if BACTROBAN ointment is applied to open or infected wounds.

    Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following:

  • Swelling, itching, burning or pain in the area where BACTROBAN ointment is applicd.
  • Wheezing, swelling of the lips/mouth, difficulty in breathing, hayfever, lumpy rash (hives) or fainting. These could be symptoms of an allergic reaction.
  • This is not a complete list of all possible side-effects. Others may occur in some people and there may be some side-effects not yet known. Ask your pharmacist or doctor about any effect that is troublesome or ongoing.

    Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any side effects from your medicine which are not mentioned here.

    Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side-effects. You may not experience any of them.

    This medicine does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.

    How do I store BACTROBAN ointment?

    You should keep BACTROBAN ointment in the original pack at room temperature (below 25 degrees C). Do not freeze the ointment.

    Keep this medicine where children cannot reach it, such as in a locked cupboard.

    Do not leave in a car, on a window sill or in the bathroom.

    Return any unused or expired medicine to your pharmacist.

    Product description

    What BACTROBAN ointment looks like

    BACTROBAN ointment is a white ointment supplied in 15g tubes.

    Ingredients

    BACTROBAN ointment contains the active ingredient Mupirocin.

    BACTROBAN ointment also contains polyethylene glycol (Macrogol 400 and Macrogol 3350).

    Manufacturer

    Your BACTROBAN ointment is made by:

  • GlaxoSmithKline Australia Pty Ltd
  • 1061 Mountain Highway
  • Boronia
  • Victoria, 3155
  • Australia.
  • Where to go for further information

    Pharmaceutical companies are not in a position to give people an individual diagnosis or medical advice. Your doctor or pharmacist is the best person to give you advice on the treatment of your condition.

    BACTROBAN ointment is only available if prescribed by a doctor. BACTROBAN is also available as a cream and nasal ointment.

  • This leaflet was prepared on 21 February 2003
  • The information provided applies only to BACTROBAN(TM) ointment.
  • (TM)BACTROBAN is a trademark of the GlaxoSmithKline Group of Companies.
  • BACTROBAN 2% ointment: AUST R 11145
  • This leaflet is subject to copyright.
  • BACTROBAN CMI Issue No 2
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