INFORMATION FOR CONSUMERS
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This leaflet answers some of the common questions about BACTROBAN ointment. It does not contain all the available information. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the possible risks of you using BACTROBAN ointment against the expected benefits.
Use BACTROBAN ointment as instructed. If you have any concerns about using BACTROBAN ointment, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
If you are helping someone else to use BACTROBAN ointment, read this leaflet before applying the first application.
Keep this leaflet with this medicine. You may need to read it again.
BACTROBAN ointment contains mupirocin (2% w/w) as the active ingredient.
Mupirocin is an antibiotic. Antibiotics work by killing bacteria, which can cause infection. BACTROBAN ointment is used for the treatment of certain types of skin infections such as school sores (impetigo), infection of the hair root and boils. BACTROBAN is also used when infection occurs in skin damaged by eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, herpes (cold sores), wounds, cuts, grazes, insect bites, minor burns etc. BACTROBAN ointment is for use on your skin only.
Do not give this ointment to anyone else; your doctor has prescribed it specifically for you and your condition. Do not use for other skin conditions - only use it for the skin infection your doctor has prescribed it for. When you have finished treating the skin infection, discard the rest of the BACTROBAN ointment.
Follow your doctor's instructions about how and when to use BACTROBAN ointment. Please read the direction label carefully. BACTROBAN ointment must not be taken orally (by mouth). If you have any questions about BACTROBAN ointment and how to use it, please ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Always wash your hands before and after applying BACTROBAN ointment.
Squeeze a small amount onto your finger-tip 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.
Use BACTROBAN ointment for as long as your doctor or pharmacist tells you to.
If you forget an application, apply some BACTROBAN ointment as soon as you can, then continue as before.
Problems of overdose with this medicine are unlikely. However if you or someone else has swallowed a large quantity of BACTROBAN ointment, telephone your doctor or Poisons Information Centre (0800 POISON or 0800 764 766), or go to the Accident and Emergency department at the nearest hospital. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. Be sure to show the doctor the BACTROBAN ointment tube or pack.
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).
Do not use BACTROBAN ointment to treat infections in or near the eyes, nostrils (in babies) or mouth. If you have a cannulae (a tube that is inserted surgically into the body that allows for fluid to enter or escape): do not use BACTROBAN around it. If BACTROBAN ointment is accidentally applied to the eyes, wash the eyes thoroughly with water.
BACTROBAN ointment contains polyethylene glycol which can be absorbed by the body from open wounds and damaged skin. Polyethylene glycol is removed from the body by the kidneys. 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.
Besides their main effect, medicines may have some unwanted effects. Unwanted effects do not always occur in every person.
Like other medicines, BACTROBAN ointment may cause some side effects. If they occur they are most likely to be mild, and may become less after a few days. 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.
Very rarely BACTROBAN can cause an allergic reaction. Signs of an allergic reaction may include an itchy skin rash, shortness of breath and swelling of the face or tongue. Contact a doctor immediately if you have these symptoms. Other side effects not listed may also occur in some people. Ask your pharmacist or doctor about any effect that is troublesome or ongoing.
This medicine does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Remember, you should tell your doctor, or pharmacist if any other unusual events or problems occur during or shortly after treatment with BACTROBAN ointment.
You should keep BACTROBAN ointment in the original pack at room temperature (below 25°C). Do not freeze the ointment.
Do not leave BACTROBAN ointment in warm places such as a hot car.
Keep medicines out of the reach of children, such as in a locked cupboard.
BACTROBAN ointment is a white ointment supplied in 15g tubes.
BACTROBAN ointment also contains polyethylene glycol (Macrogol 400 and Macrogol 3350).
BACTROBAN ointment is only available if prescribed by a doctor.
GlaxoSmithKline
Quay Tower
Cnr Albert & Customs Streets
Private Bag 106600
Downtown, Auckland
NEW ZEALAND
Ph (09) 367-2900
Fax (09) 367-2910
This leaflet is copyrighted to GlaxoSmithKline NZ and may be reproduced but not altered in any way.
BACTROBAN is a trademark of the GlaxoSmithKline Group of Companies.
Leaflet prepared 12/03, Issue 2