Bactroban Ointment

Please read this leaflet before you start to use your medicine.

It is essential to follow your doctor's advice. If there is anything you do not understand, please ask your doctor or pharmacist (chemist).

It you are helping someone else to use this medicine, please read this leaflet before you apply the first dose .

'Bactroban' Ointment is the manufacturer's name for this antibiotic product. 'Bactroban' Ointment does not contain penicillin, the active ingredient is called mupirocin.

'Bactroban' Ointment acts against the bacteria that cause skin infections.

1. This ointment should be used only on the skin. The treated area can then be covered with a suitable dressing if desired.

Take care to avoid the eyes.

1. Before using ANY medicines you should tell your doctor if you are pregnant (or think you may be), or it you are breast feeding.
1. Use 'Bactroban' Ointment as directed by your doctor. Read the dispensing label.
1. Like all medicines, 'Bactroban' Ointment can sometimes cause unwanted effects. (You will find more about this later in this leaflet.)
1. ALWAYS KEEP MEDICINES OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.

For more information on 'Bactroban' Ointment, please read the rest of this leaflet.

Do not use 'Bactroban' Ointment without consulting your doctor.

Do you think you have had a previous reaction to ‘Bactroban' (mupirocin), or polyethylene glycol? If so, do not use this medicine; tell your doctor. You may need to be given another medicine instead.

Do not start using 'Bactroban' Ointment if you have kidney problems. You should consult your doctor first and you may need to be given another medicine instead.

Follow your doctor's directions about how and when to use your medicine. Unless otherwise instructed, after applying the 'Bactroban', you may cover the affected area with a suitable dressing if desired.

If ‘Bactroban’ Ointment is being used on the face, take care to avoid the eyes. 'Bactroban' Ointment is not suitable for use inside the nose.

Unless specifically directed by your doctor, do not use 'Bactroban' Ointment on damaged skin or open wounds.

Your pharmacist or doctor can help if you are not sure.

Follow your doctor's directions on how long to apply the ointment. If your skin condition has not improved, return to your doctor.

If you forget to apply the ointment at the night time, apply it as soon as you remember. Then carry on as before, but do not apply two doses within an hour or so of each other.

A few people may have a feeling of burning, stinging or itching after applying 'Bactroban' Ointment. This effect will not last long.

If you suffer badly, or have any other unusual problems, while you are using this medicine, contact your doctor.

Keep the medicine at room temperature (below 25°C/77°F) and in its original packaging.

KEEP ALL MEDICINES OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN – preferably in a locked cupboard or medicine cabinet.

What should I do with any medicine which is left at the end of treatment? Return any left-over medicine to your pharmacist. Do not keep it for further use.

Remember this medicine has been prescribed just for you. Never offer your medicine to other people. It may not be suitable for them, even if their symptoms seem the same as yours.

'Bactroban' Ointment contains 2% of mupirocin, in a white polyethylene glycol base, in each 15 g tube.

'Bactroban' Ointment is water soluble and does not stain the skin or clothing. It is easily removed by washing.

If the area is not covered by a dressing, care should be taken to avoid contact with any surfaces.

UK Manufacturer and Product Licence Holder: Beecham Group plc, Brentford, trading as Beecham Research, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, England AL7 1EY.

Product Authorisation Holder: SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals Ltd, trading as Beecham Research, Corrig Avenue, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, Ireland.

In this short leaflet, we can give you only the most important information about 'Bactroban' Ointment. If you would like to know more, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

BEECHAM RESEARCH

'Bactroban' is a trade mark

© 1993 Beecham Research

Leaflet prepared in February 1993