Why use nasal ointment?
Nasal ointment may be required for a dry nose, to address allergies, or as treatment for a Staph infection. Nasal ointment is also commonly required after nasal surgery including, septoplasty, rhinoplasty, turbinate reduction or turbinoplasty surgery and endoscopic sinus surgery.
Antibiotic nasal ointment is used for eradicating staphylococcal bacteria, in particular MRSA, from the nostrils in order to prevent infections. Bactroban ointment is applied inside the nose for this purpose.
Store at room temperature (below 25°C). The shelf life is three years. There are no known incompatibilities or reactions with other medications.
If Bactroban ointment is unavailable then Chlorsig ointment is a reasonable alternative.
How does it work?
Bactroban nasal ointment contains the active ingredient mupirocin. This is an antibacterial medicine. It is used to eliminate staphylococcal bacteria from the nasal passages. In particular, it can be used for clearing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria from the nasal passages of hospital patients. Mupirocin exerts its antimicrobial activity by reversibly inhibiting isoleucyl-transfer RNA, thereby inhibiting bacterial protein and RNA synthesis. This causes the bacteria to produce abnormal and faulty proteins – ultimately killing the bacteria.
Certain bacteria, including Staph aureus, are found naturally on many people’s skin and inside their nose. These bacteria are usually harmless and don’t cause issues. However, they can cause infection if they get into a wound or spread to other parts of the body. In a hospital environment or after surgery, it is important that these types of bacteria are eliminated. They can not only cause infections in the carrier, but can also be spread and cause serious infections in people who are already unwell.
How to apply nasal ointment
Squeeze a generous amount (about the size of a grape) onto your thumb.
Carefully align the ointment with your nostril.
Apply to the inside surface each nostril.
Gently press your nostrils together to help spread the ointment throughout your nose.
Do this over and over again for approximately one minute. You may also press the sides of the nose together and gently massage the nose. These will help spread the medicine throughout the inside of the nostrils. Remember to wash your hands before and after applying nasal ointment.
Remember
Avoid getting Bactroban ointment in contact with the eyes. If it gets in the eyes they should be thoroughly rinsed with plenty of water. This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
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