Mupirocin
Mupirocin is a topical antibacterial used for susceptible localized canine skin infections, including superficial pyoderma.
Group
Topical antibacterial
Mechanism of Action
Inhibits bacterial isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase, blocking protein synthesis.
Dose Rates
Dogs
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Localized bacterial skin infection | Reference only | TOPICAL | Every 12 h | Up to 30 days; Muricin 2%: cover the cleaned affected skin with sufficient ointment twice daily; treatment must not exceed 30 days. Not for the eye. |
Cats
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feline acne control | Reference only | TOPICAL | Every 12–24 h | Apply to the localized affected skin once or twice daily until controlled; selected cats can then be maintained with one or two applications weekly. Reassess the underlying lesion rather than extending broad-area treatment. |
Indications
- Localized susceptible bacterial skin infection
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Ophthalmic use of skin ointment
- Application to burns with polyethylene glycol-based preparations
Interactions
- Do not mix ointment with other preparations without compatibility information.
Adverse effects
- Local irritation or sensitization
Toxicity
Large-area absorption of a polyethylene glycol ointment base can be hazardous, especially with renal disease.
Preparations
| Preparation | Form | Strength | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muricin ointment 2% Polyethylene glycol base; avoid extensive deep lesions and ocular use. | Other | 20 mg / g | TOPICAL |
| T-Bact ointment 2% Verified topical mupirocin strength. Do not transfer the human product’s treatment indication or schedule as a new animal regimen. | Other | 20 mg / g | TOPICAL |
Monitoring and Administration
Clean the lesion and cover the infected area with a thin film. Reassess persistent or spreading infection.
Muricin is applied twice daily, with treatment not exceeding 30 days. Avoid extensive deep lesions where polyethylene glycol absorption is likely.
Allow at least 10 minutes contact. Prefer short treatment of small localized lesions; prolonged or large-area use increases resistance and polyethylene-glycol exposure concerns.
Not suitable for burns. Susceptible staphylococci may include resistant strains, but Pseudomonas is resistant; do not use it as empirical Gram-negative wound coverage.