Vetdrugs 2.0Mupirocin is a topical antibacterial used for localized susceptible skin infections, particularly staphylococcal disease in dogs. It has a distinct protein-synthesis target and may retain activity against some isolates resistant to other antibiotic classes. Veterinary use centers on focal lesions where direct delivery provides high local exposure.
Group
Topical antibacterial
Mechanism of Action
Mupirocin inhibits bacterial isoleucyl-transfer RNA synthetase, preventing attachment of isoleucine to its transfer RNA. This interrupts incorporation of isoleucine into bacterial proteins and suppresses protein synthesis. Activity can be bacteriostatic or bactericidal depending on concentration and susceptibility. Its distinct target explains a resistance pattern different from that of beta-lactams and many other antibacterials.
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
- Local treatment of mupirocin-susceptible staphylococcal skin infections in dogs, including focal superficial pyoderma, fold pyoderma or bacterial acne.
- Treatment of selected localized susceptible interdigital or pressure-point bacterial lesions.
- Extra-label treatment of selected susceptible focal skin infections in cats or horses, with a smaller clinical evidence base.
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.