Continuing Education Activity

Mupirocin belongs to the topical antibiotic class of medications and is utilized for managing and treating various skin and soft tissue infections. The topical medication mupirocin received initial approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1997 and has since been widely prescribed and used globally. Due to its extensive use, resistance to mupirocin is increasing significantly. This activity reviews the indications, mechanism of action, adverse event profile, and contraindications of mupirocin as a valuable agent in the management of skin and soft tissue infections. This activity also highlights the roles of the interprofessional healthcare team involved in treating patients with skin and soft tissue infections and related conditions.

Objectives:

• Identify appropriate indications for mupirocin in managing skin and soft tissue infections, considering its efficacy and limitations.
• Screen patients for potential contraindications or risk factors, such as hypersensitivity reactions, and apply appropriate precautions before prescribing mupirocin.
• Assess patients receiving mupirocin regularly for treatment response, adverse effects, and signs of emerging bacterial resistance.
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to make shared decisions, discuss challenging cases, and collectively address the rising concern of bacterial resistance associated with mupirocin to determine the most suitable treatment.

Indications

Mupirocin belongs to the topical antibiotic class of medications and is utilized for managing and treating various skin and soft tissue infections. Mupirocin was originally developed in the early 1970s and is derived from Pseudomonas fluorescens.[1][2] Mupirocin is recognized as the most widely used topical antibiotic globally for treating methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), particularly in cases of impetigo.[3] Proper administration of mupirocin effectively eliminates infectious symptoms in over 85% of impetigo cases.[2] Mupirocin has consistently demonstrated its efficacy in eradicating intranasal MRSA colonization in healthcare settings.[3] The topical medication mupirocin received initial approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1997,[4] and has since been widely prescribed and used globally.

FDA-Approved Indications

The initial FDA approval was restricted to the topical administration for superficial skin infections.[4] The specific FDA indication for mupirocin is its topical use in treating impetigo caused by S aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes, as stated in the FDA guidelines for Bactroban.

Off-Label Uses

Beyond its approved topical administration for skin infections, off-label usage and ongoing research are investigating new applications of mupirocin, including its potential efficacy against deeper infections and non-typical bacteria, such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae.[5] Interestingly, mupirocin has found off-label applications in managing otorrhea associated with tympanostomy tubes, serving as an additive in sinonasal irrigations, and acting as prophylaxis to prevent peritoneal dialysis catheter site infection.[6][7][8] In tympanostomy tube otorrhea cases, mupirocin has effectively reduced drainage by providing reliable coverage of the middle ear flora.[6]

In the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis, mupirocin has demonstrated the ability to decrease intranasal Staphylococcus levels, theoretically reducing biofilm formation that may contribute to sinusitis symptoms.[7] Prophylactic application of mupirocin to peritoneal dialysis catheter sites has been shown to lower infection rates.[8] Furthermore, mupirocin has been used off-label to promote the wound healing process, with the underlying mechanism believed to be associated with increased keratinocyte proliferation.[9] 

Mechanism of Action

Mupirocin, also known as pseudomonic acid A, is a short-chain fatty acid and the primary fermentation metabolite of P fluorescens.[10][11] Mupirocin is believed to exert its antimicrobial activity by inhibiting isoleucyl-transfer RNA, thereby obstructing bacterial protein and RNA synthesis, ultimately resulting in cell death.[10] This mechanism occurs due to the similarity between a mupirocin protein side chain and the bacterial isoleucyl-transfer RNA binding site, which leads to mupirocin incorporation into the binding site. When bacterial isoleucyl-transfer RNA is obstructed, cellular levels of charged transfer RNA are depleted, causing the cessation of protein and RNA synthesis. This, in turn, results in bacterial cell death, particularly at elevated concentrations of mupirocin.

Interestingly, mupirocin has demonstrated bacteriostatic effects attributed to reduced side-chain binding at lower concentrations.[12] This antibiotic exhibits broad antibacterial coverage against gram-positive and certain gram-negative bacteria, with notable susceptibility observed in skin infections caused by staphylococci and streptococci.[5][13] Interestingly, mupirocin exhibits minimal impact on typical normal skin flora, including Propionibacterium, potentially contributing to preserving the skin's natural defense mechanisms.[13]

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Mupirocin generally demonstrates minimal systemic absorption, accounting for less than 1%, which aided its FDA approval.[5]

Distribution: The systemic absorption of mupirocin occurs secondary to diffusion through the stratus corneum, reaching the intercellular space and allowing absorption. However, over 98% of applied mupirocin does not diffuse through the stratum corneum.[14]

Metabolism: Mupirocin has a half-life of approximately 15 minutes, with predominant systemic metabolism occurring in the kidneys.[15] Although systemic absorption and excretion occur through the kidneys, most topically applied mupirocin is eliminated through the upward movement and desquamation of skin cells rather than systemic pathways, as previously discussed.[16] The local concentration of mupirocin has been observed to increase 5- to 10-fold when an occlusive dressing is applied after the administration of topical mupirocin.[16] Furthermore, the activity of mupirocin has been shown to decrease in environments that are more alkalotic than the skin.[17]

Elimination: The primary route of systemic excretion for mupirocin is through the kidneys.[15]

Administration

Available Dosage Forms and Strengths: Mupirocin is available in various formulations in the United States. Although the most common prescription is in the form of a topical ointment, it has also been studied in intramuscular and cream formulations.[18][19]

The most widely accessible topical formulation is a 2% ointment in a water-miscible polyethylene glycol base, typically packaged in a 22-g container, with each gram containing 20 μg of mupirocin.[10]

Adult Dosage

The typical recommended dosage for adults is to apply approximately 0.5 g of mupirocin 2 to 3 times a day for up to 10 days.[20] 

Specific Patient Populations

Specific recommendations are not provided for pregnant, pediatric, and geriatric populations, as well as individuals with hepatic impairment, due to minimal systemic absorption. In the case of pediatric populations aged 2 months and older, FDA approval supports the use of topical mupirocin in individuals.

Due to systemic renal excretion, mupirocin may be considered with caution in individuals with severe renal impairment, particularly due to the presence of polyethylene glycol and the associated risk of nephrotoxicity.[20] Furthermore, for breastfeeding mothers, it is advisable to cleanse the breast treated with mupirocin before breastfeeding their infants due to unknown effects. However, substantial transmission via breast milk is not expected due to minimal systemic absorption of mupirocin.[20]

Adverse Effects

Adverse Drug Reactions

Topical mupirocin is generally well-tolerated, with the most frequently reported adverse effect being mild contact dermatitis, characterized by burning, stinging, or pain.[21] Additional rare and mild adverse effects include pruritis, dry skin, or erythema.[21] Although more severe adverse effects have been rarely reported, they theoretically include potentially life-threatening angioedema or anaphylactic reactions.[20]

Additional rare adverse effects of mupirocin have been documented with mucosal usage. When mupirocin is applied to the conjunctiva or nasal mucosa, local irritation, and unpleasant taste and smell have been reported.[17] Otherwise, no systemic adverse effects have been reported.[20]

Drug-Drug Interactions

Drug interactions are also rare for topical mupirocin due to minimal systemic absorption, and, overall, none have been reported or listed in mupirocin's FDA approval.[22]

Contraindications

Box Warnings and Precautions

As per FDA regulations and approval, the only specific contraindication for mupirocin is known hypersensitivity reactions to the medication or its components. FDA precautions include potential allergic reactions, eye and local irritations, theoretical risk of Clostridium difficile–associated diarrhea, microbial overgrowth, unknown mucosal effects, interactions with polyethylene glycol, and the potential for fungal or bacterial overgrowth with usage at intravenous catheter sites, as stated in the FDA guidelines for Bactroban.

Monitoring

When treating topical skin infections, healthcare professionals should be mindful that infections may worsen or secondary infections may occur. Therefore, mupirocin usage is generally recommended for no more than 10 days unless specifically directed by a physician. Monitoring should involve a dermatologic examination for skin changes or systemic symptoms that may indicate a worsening infection or allergic reaction. Signs of a reaction may include increased erythema and pruritus, whereas worsened infection may also present with increased erythema, induration, and pain.[20][22]

Resistance to mupirocin is believed to be on the rise in recent years, particularly among S aureus and MRSA isolates.[23] Studies indicate a significant proportion of mupirocin-resistant Staphylococcus isolates, many of which are also methicillin-resistant.[3] Resistance is primarily attributed to the widespread prescription of mupirocin, along with its frequent use by medical professionals as a topical treatment with perceived low risk, and patients exceeding recommended usage durations. The routine use in healthcare settings for intranasal MRSA eradication may also be a contributing factor.[24]

Resistance arises from alterations in bacterial isoleucyl-transfer RNA, resulting in the loss of mupirocin side chain recognition and the subsequent failure of mupirocin insertion at the binding site.[23] Two common types of resistance to mupirocin are described, with high-level resistance resulting from plasmid-mediated gene mutations and low-level resistance associated with chromosomal point mutations.[23] A recent meta-analysis reveals a resistance rate of approximately 7.6% among S aureus isolates compared to about 13.8% resistance among MRSA isolates.[23] Interestingly, North and South America were shown to have higher rates of mupirocin resistance when compared to the rest of the world.[23]

Toxicity

Currently, no available study or report suggests that using topical mupirocin consistently causes systemic toxicity. As previously stated, caution is advised in individuals with severe renal impairment and those with large open wounds due to the potential for increased absorption and nephrotoxicity. In such cases, renal function should be closely monitored with scheduled renal function panels, as stated in the FDA guidelines for Bactroban.

Signs and Symptoms of Overdose

No specific case of overdose has been reported in the current literature with topical mupirocin usage. However, as discussed, there is a potential for renal toxicity, which may be considered an overdose.

Management of Overdose

In cases of concern for renal toxicity, immediate discontinuation of mupirocin is recommended, and a qualified medical professional should promptly evaluate renal function.

Enhancing Healthcare Team Outcomes

Topical mupirocin has been commonly used and available for several decades.[1] The widespread availability and perceived safety have contributed to the significant overuse of mupirocin.[23] Consequently, all healthcare team members should be aware of the overall increase in bacterial resistance associated with mupirocin usage. In addition, as new data emerge, it is imperative for healthcare professionals to stay up-to-date on evolving treatment recommendations for mupirocin usage. This includes considerations for tympanostomy tube otorrhea, peritoneal dialysis catheter site infection prevention, sinonasal irrigations, and intramuscular activity against non-typical bacteria.

Due to the potential risks of local reaction and dermatitis, healthcare professionals should be well-versed and up-to-date on the proper usage and recommendations for topical mupirocin. In cases of a prior history of a reaction to mupirocin or its contents, healthcare professionals should advise against future use of the drug. Furthermore, monitoring the response and potential adverse effects is a crucial responsibility of the healthcare team.

Mupirocin may be cautiously used in patients with renal impairment or renal failure. Ensuring patient safety requires the coordination and collaboration of the entire healthcare team to monitor patients for potential toxicity. In cases of renal impairment, pharmacists should carefully consider alternative options.

Review Questions

• Access free multiple choice questions on this topic.
• Comment on this article.

References

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Disclosure: Dylan Erwin declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Philip Chen declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.