Written by Dr. Feargus McConnell, BVSc on the Jan.16, 2024
Petdirect is dedicated to providing educational pet health content for pet parents. This article was written and reviewed by veterinary professionals to answer common questions about your pet’s medication. Our focus is on delivering unbiased information to help you understand how medication works, its potential side effects, and FAQs for your reference. Always administer medication directly as prescribed by your vet. This article shouldn’t take the place of advice from your vet.
Bactroban is an antibiotic ointment for humans that may be prescribed off-label by a veterinarian for use in pets. Bactroban contains the active ingredient Mupirocin (2%) which is commonly used for treating skin infections. It's a topical, broad-spectrum antibiotic that shows effectiveness against a range of bacteria, particularly those caused by susceptible strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus intermedius.
As Mupirocin is the active ingredient, it inhibits bacterial protein synthesis. It's unique in its action, showing no cross-resistance with other common antibiotics like erythromycin or penicillin. This makes it effective against a wide range of gram-positive bacteria, including various strains of Staphylococcus and Streptococcus.
Follow the instructions provided by your veterinarian. However as a guide, before applying Bactroban, clean the lesion. The ointment can be applied to the affected area twice daily or as prescribed, ensuring complete coverage. The maximum treatment duration should not exceed 30 days.
It is essential to consult with your veterinarian before using Bactroban on your pet to ensure that it is the appropriate choice. However, as a general guideline, do not use Bactroban on animals who are known to be sensitive to any of its components. Use caution when treating extensive and deep lesions due to the potential absorption of polyethylene glycol. Bactroban has not been tested for safety in pregnant or breeding dogs, and it is not intended for ophthalmic use.
Bactroban use in dogs carries a risk of antibiotic resistance. Overuse or misuse of antibiotics accelerates resistance. Vets may recommend a culture and sensitivity test before prescribing antibiotics. This identifies the bacteria causing infection and determines the most effective antibiotics. This helps treat current infections and manages antibiotic resistance in veterinary medicine.
Some common side effects include skin irritation, allergic reactions. Always follow your vet's instructions and discontinue use if you notice any adverse reactions. Never use Bactroban in your pet's eyes.
Store Bactroban at a controlled room temperature. Keep it out of reach of children and other pets.
Can Bactroban cream be used for cats?
How long does it take for Bactroban to show results?
Bactroban is a valuable tool in managing bacterial skin infections in pets. Its unique mode of action makes it effective against a range of bacteria. We hope this article provides a clear understanding of Bactroban for your pet. Remember, always seek advice from your veterinarian for any health-related decisions for your pets.