Medication info

Metarocin Ointment (Mupirocin)

OTC medicationOintment
Ingredient · strength
Mupirocin›20mg / 1g
Manufacturer / importer
현대약품(주)
Appearance
White ointment
Packaging
10 grams/tube
Approval status
Active

MFDS item code 202400424 · Notified 2024.02.29

Summary

Main use
Treatment of bacterial skin infections (impetigo, folliculitis, etc.)
Who uses it
Adults
Adult dosage
Apply a small amount to the infected area 2-3 times a day for 10 days. If necessary, the treated area may be dressed or sealed.

Ingredients

Manufacturer
현대약품(주)

Efficacy & effects

Treatment of bacterial skin infections (impetigo, folliculitis, etc.)

  • Impetigo
  • folliculitis
  • furunculosis
  • infectious eczema
  • wounds
  • burns
View approved original text

This medicine is effective against various bacteria causing skin infections, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and gram-negative bacteria. It is used specifically for bacterial skin infections such as impetigo, folliculitis, furunculosis, and infectious eczema. It also helps treat bacterial skin infections occurring in wounds or burn sites. This medication is used to rapidly improve skin infections and promote healing.

Dosage and Administration

Adult dosage

Apply a small amount to the infected area 2-3 times a day for 10 days. If necessary, the treated area may be dressed or sealed.

Precautions

This medication should not be used by certain patients. First, patients who are allergic to this drug or any of its components, or who have had such an experience with polyethylene glycol, should not use it. Also, patients with poor kidney function should avoid this medication, as polyethylene glycol can be absorbed through damaged skin and excreted by the kidneys. It is also safer for women who are pregnant or capable of becoming pregnant, as well as breastfeeding women, to avoid using this medication. Caution is needed when using this medication on damaged or torn skin for extended periods, as safety regarding immune function impairment has not been sufficiently confirmed in animal studies. While using this medication, allergic reactions such as burning sensation, pain, itching, rash, and red spots on the skin may occur. Additionally, symptoms such as nausea, dry skin, pain, swelling, contact dermatitis, and increased discharge may occur rarely, and in very rare cases, systemic allergic reactions have been reported. If severe irritation or allergic symptoms develop on the skin while using this medication, usage should be stopped immediately, and after thoroughly washing the area, consultation with a doctor or pharmacist is advised. It is recommended to use this medication only for a minimal period after confirming sensitivity to prevent resistance development. Also, prolonged use may lead to overgrowth of other microorganisms like fungi, so caution is necessary. If symptoms do not improve within 3-5 days of using the medication, consultation with a professional is essential. Care should be taken to avoid getting the medication in the eyes when applying to the face, and it is known that this medication does not affect driving or operation of machinery. Care should be taken as the efficacy may decrease or stability may be compromised when this medication is used with other drugs. It is best not to use this medication for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as safety has not been sufficiently confirmed; especially during breastfeeding, mothers should temporarily suspend breastfeeding while using the medication. The toxicity of this medication is very low, but excessive use requires treatment to alleviate symptoms, including washing the area where the medication was applied. This medication should only be used externally on the skin and should not be applied to mucous membrane areas such as eyes or nose. Care should be taken when using it inside the nasal cavity, as pain or dryness may occur. It is also advisable not to use it at the central venous catheter site. Lastly, this medication should be stored out of reach of children, and transferring it to another container should be avoided to prevent accidents or compromise the quality of the drug. It is important to safely dispose of any remaining medication after use.

Side effects and when to seek care immediately

Serious side effects

Systemic allergic reaction

Mild side effects

  • Burning sensation
  • pain
  • tenderness
  • itching
  • rash
  • redness
  • nausea
  • dry skin
  • tenderness
  • contact dermatitis
Show 1 more
  • increased discharge

Not everyone experiences these, and they can vary from person to person.

Storage

This medication must be stored in a tightly sealed container to avoid exposure to air or moisture. It is important to maintain a storage temperature between 1 degree and 30 degrees Celsius to preserve the medication's effectiveness and safety.

Appearance and packaging

Appearance

White ointment

Package unit

10 grams/tube

Same-ingredient medicines

Even with the same ingredient, strength, dosage form and how it is taken can differ.

Even with the same ingredient, the dose and directions can differ by strength and dosage form. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before switching from a medication you are already taking.

Questions about this medicine

  • QCan I apply this on my child's knee wound that seems to be infected?

    This ointment is used for bacterial skin infections, such as trauma or burns, impetigo, and folliculitis. However, depending on the condition of the child's wound, the decision may vary, so please show it to a pharmacist or doctor before applying if the wound is large or swelling is severe.

    Answers 1 · 2026.09.14

  • QHow many days should I apply it for?

    The labeling advises applying a small amount to the infected area 2-3 times a day for 10 days. If necessary, the applied area can be dressed or covered. If rashes or itching become severe after application, discontinue use and consult a pharmacist.

    Answers 1 · 2026.09.14

For anything that needs medical judgment, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Related searches

Search tags

Suggested searches

This drug information is based on data provided by the Korea Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.
Consult a doctor or pharmacist for accurate dosage, administration, and usage instructions.