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Topical mupirocin in the treatment of bacterial skin infections

J Rumsfield, D P West, I K Aronson

    Drug Intelligence & Clinical Pharmacy
    |December 1, 1986
    PubMed

    Insights

    Mupirocin, a novel topical antibiotic, shows high efficacy in eradicating pathogens for impetigo and secondary skin infections. Further clinical trials will define its role in treating various bacterial skin conditions.

    Area of Science:

    • Dermatology
    • Microbiology
    • Pharmacology

    Background:

    • Mupirocin is an investigational topical antibiotic.
    • It exhibits unique synthesis, structure, and mechanism of action compared to other antibiotics.
    • Mupirocin demonstrates in vitro activity against key bacterial pathogens like staphylococci, streptococci, Hemophilus influenzae, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To evaluate the efficacy of mupirocin in treating bacterial skin infections.
    • To compare mupirocin's effectiveness against an inactive vehicle.
    • To assess the role of mupirocin in the treatment of impetigo and secondary skin infections.

    Main Methods:

    • Clinical studies comparing mupirocin to an inactive vehicle.
    • Assessment of pathogen eradication rates in impetigo.
    • Evaluation of treatment response in secondary skin infections.

    Main Results:

    • Mupirocin achieved a 92% pathogen eradication rate in impetigo, compared to 58% for the vehicle.
    • A favorable treatment response was observed in 91% of patients with secondary skin infections receiving mupirocin, versus 77% for the vehicle.
    • Adverse effects were comparable to placebo and included pruritus, burning, dry skin, and erythema.

    Conclusions:

    • Mupirocin demonstrates significant efficacy in treating impetigo and secondary bacterial skin infections.
    • The topical antibiotic offers a favorable safety profile with adverse effects similar to placebo.
    • Further clinical investigation is warranted to establish mupirocin's definitive role in managing diverse skin infections.

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