Skip to content

Mupirocin

FDA-approved product (ointment, topical), marketed as Bactroban, Centany, Mupirocin.

Registered studies
50+
Lab records
16
Pathogens at ≥40%
4 of 4

Chemical structure

Chemical structure of Mupirocin
A drawing shows what the molecule is, not what it does.

Existing / approved use

Documented · FDA, WHO, ChEMBL

Approved for

  • Impetigo
  • Infection
  • Nasal congestion

Indications ChEMBL records as approved, from FDA and DailyMed labels. Label ↗

WHO therapeutic group
Other antibiotics for topical use; Other nasal preparations
FDA pharmacologic class
RNA Synthetase Inhibitor Antibacterial FDA label ↗
Anti-infective classification
Classified as an existing antimicrobial.WHO ATC D06AX09; FDA class RNA Synthetase Inhibitor Antibacterial

Repurposing investigation

Mupirocin is already an antimicrobial, so it is not counted among the repurposing candidates. Its AI-predicted activity is shown below for reference.

AI-predicted activity

AI prediction · nothing measured
  • MRSA75.4% AI-predicted activityAt or above the ≥40% mark this site uses to surface candidates. This medicine was in the model's training data, so this is recall, not a new prediction.
  • E. coli82.6% AI-predicted activityAt or above the ≥40% mark this site uses to surface candidates. This medicine was in the model's training data, so this is recall, not a new prediction.
  • K. pneumoniae71.8% AI-predicted activityAt or above the ≥40% mark this site uses to surface candidates. This medicine was in the model's training data, so this is recall, not a new prediction.
  • M. tuberculosis42.2% AI-predicted activityAt or above the ≥40% mark this site uses to surface candidates.

A model’s estimate of laboratory activity against each pathogen species. It is not clinical effectiveness.

Evidence

Clinical and experimental

Documented evidence

Clinical

50+registered studies name this medicine, for any condition. The registry search keeps the first 50, so there may be more. See them below.

Experimental

  • MRSA: measured active in 6 of 10 lab records
  • E. coli: measured active in 1 of 2 lab records
  • K. pneumoniae: measured active in 2 of 4 lab records
Show the 16 laboratory records, with sources

Loading records…

“Active” means the measured value reached this project’s laboratory cutoff (10 µM or stronger). A laboratory result does not show an effect in patients.

Docking

Computational · nothing measured

Dihydrofolate reductase ↗ (E. coli)

Not yet docked: queued in the docking rundetails

KPC-2 carbapenemase ↗ (K. pneumoniae)

Not yet docked: queued in the docking rundetails

Enoyl-ACP reductase (InhA) ↗ (M. tuberculosis)

Not yet docked: queued in the docking rundetails

Dihydrofolate reductase ↗ (MRSA)

Not yet docked: queued in the docking rundetails

AutoDock Vina, one experimentally solved protein per pathogen. This project’s screening target is -7.0 kcal/mol, its own mark rather than a universal cutoff. A docking score is a structural hypothesis, not proof of binding, and requires experimental validation.

Other medicines to investigate

AI prediction · nothing measured

Other repurposing candidates: approved medicines besides Mupirocin with AI-predicted activity ≥40% against the chosen pathogen, leaving out existing antimicrobials. They are computational candidates for further investigation, not alternatives and not recommendations.

Sorted by AI-predicted activity, high to low. The order is not a ranking of which medicine is better.

Registered studies

A registration describes a study; it does not establish a positive result.

  • Chlorhexidine Gluconate Versus Mupirocin Ointment in the Prevention of Peritoneal Dialysis-Related Infection

    NCT02547103 · start 2016-06-01

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT02547103
    Conditions
    End Stage Renal Disease; Peritoneal Dialysis
    Interventions
    Chlorhexidine gluconate-soaked cloths; Normal saline; mupirocin ointment
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 4
    Registry status
    Unknown
    Start
    2016-06-01
    Completion
    2021-08
    Enrolment
    354

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionEnd Stage Renal Disease; Peritoneal Dialysis
    InterventionChlorhexidine gluconate-soaked cloths; Normal saline; mupirocin ointment
    PhasePhase 4
    Registry statusUnknown
  • Preoperative Decolonization and Surgical Site Infections - a Prospective Randomized Trial

    NCT02560155 · start 2015-11

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT02560155
    Conditions
    Orthopedic Disorders; Surgical Site Infection
    Interventions
    Mupirocin 2% nasal ointement; Chlorhexidine sol 4%
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Not applicable
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2015-11
    Completion
    2018-02
    Enrolment
    1,300

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionOrthopedic Disorders; Surgical Site Infection
    InterventionMupirocin 2% nasal ointement; Chlorhexidine sol 4%
    PhaseNot applicable
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Effect of Mupirocin Dressings Versus Island Dressings on Surgical Site Infections in Elective Colorectal Surgery

    NCT02619773 · start 2015-11

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT02619773
    Conditions
    Surgical Site Infections
    Interventions
    mupirocin ointment
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Not applicable
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2015-11
    Completion
    2018-12
    Enrolment
    150

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionSurgical Site Infections
    Interventionmupirocin ointment
    PhaseNot applicable
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Treating Parents to Reduce NICU Transmission of Staphylococcus Aureus Trial

    NCT02223520 · start 2014-11

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT02223520
    Conditions
    Staph Aureus Colonization; Staph Aureus Infection
    Interventions
    Mupirocin and Chlorhexidine; Placebo ointment and placebo cloths
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Not applicable
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2014-11
    Completion
    2019-10-31
    Enrolment
    307

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionStaph Aureus Colonization; Staph Aureus Infection
    InterventionMupirocin and Chlorhexidine; Placebo ointment and placebo cloths
    PhaseNot applicable
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Human Microbiome and Healthcare Associated Infections - Nursing Home Dwelling Older Veterans

    NCT04218799 · start 2014-08-12

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT04218799
    Conditions
    Human Microbiome
    Interventions
    Intranasal Mupirocin and Topical Chlorhexidine
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 4
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2014-08-12
    Completion
    2015-09-22
    Enrolment
    19

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionHuman Microbiome
    InterventionIntranasal Mupirocin and Topical Chlorhexidine
    PhasePhase 4
    Registry statusCompleted
  • S. Aureus Screening and Decolonization

    NCT02182115 · start 2014-07

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT02182115
    Conditions
    Wound Infection Due to Staphylococcus Aureus; MRSA Infection of Postoperative Wound
    Interventions
    antiseptic bundle; standard of care
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 4
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2014-07
    Completion
    2016-08
    Enrolment
    110

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionWound Infection Due to Staphylococcus Aureus; MRSA Infection of Postoperative Wound
    Interventionantiseptic bundle; standard of care
    PhasePhase 4
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Safety and Efficacy of Mupirocin in Eradicating Colonization With S. Aureus in Critically Ill Infants

    NCT01827358 · start 2014-04-30

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT01827358
    Conditions
    Staphylococcal Infection
    Interventions
    Mupirocin calcium; Mupirocin calcium
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 2
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2014-04-30
    Completion
    2016-06-21
    Enrolment
    155

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionStaphylococcal Infection
    InterventionMupirocin calcium; Mupirocin calcium
    PhasePhase 2
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Impact of Mupirocin Decolonization on the Nasal Microbiome

    NCT02045329 · start 2013-10

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT02045329
    Conditions
    Nasal Colonization With Staph Aureus
    Interventions
    Not recorded
    Study type
    OBSERVATIONAL
    Phase
    Not recorded
    Registry status
    Terminated
    Start
    2013-10
    Completion
    2015-06-05
    Enrolment
    1

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionNasal Colonization With Staph Aureus
    InterventionNot recorded
    PhaseNot recorded
    Registry statusTerminated
  • Persistent Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Eradication Protocol (PMEP)

    NCT01594827 · start 2012-10

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT01594827
    Conditions
    Cystic Fibrosis
    Interventions
    Inhaled Vancomycin; Placebo (Sterile Water); Rifampin; Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX); Doxycycline; Mupirocin Intranasal Creme; 4% chlorhexidine gluconate liquid skin cleanser
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 2
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2012-10
    Completion
    2017-12-30
    Enrolment
    29

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionCystic Fibrosis
    InterventionInhaled Vancomycin; Placebo (Sterile Water); Rifampin; Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) +3 more
    PhasePhase 2
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Retapamulin for Reducing MRSA Nasal Carriage

    NCT01461668 · start 2012-07

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT01461668
    Conditions
    Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus
    Interventions
    Retapamulin; Placebo
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 4
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2012-07
    Completion
    2017-12
    Enrolment
    53

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionMethicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus
    InterventionRetapamulin; Placebo
    PhasePhase 4
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Total Occlusive Ionic Silver-containing Dressing vs Mupirocin Ointment Application vs Conventional Dressing in Elective Colorectal Surgery: Effect on Incisional Surgical Site Infection

    NCT02267122 · start 2012-01

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT02267122
    Conditions
    Incisional Surgical Site Infections
    Interventions
    ionic silver-containing dressing; Mupirocin ointment application
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 3
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2012-01
    Completion
    2014-01
    Enrolment
    147

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionIncisional Surgical Site Infections
    Interventionionic silver-containing dressing; Mupirocin ointment application
    PhasePhase 3
    Registry statusCompleted
  • The Use of Antibiotic Sinonasal Rinse After Sinus Surgery

    NCT02218307 · start 2011-11

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT02218307
    Conditions
    Chronic Rhinosinusitis
    Interventions
    Mupirocin; Placebo
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 4
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2011-11
    Completion
    2015-06
    Enrolment
    68

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionChronic Rhinosinusitis
    InterventionMupirocin; Placebo
    PhasePhase 4
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Early Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) Therapy in Cystic Fibrosis (CF)

    NCT01349192 · start 2011-04

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT01349192
    Conditions
    Cystic Fibrosis; Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus
    Interventions
    Rifampin; Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole; Minocycline; Mupirocin; chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse; 2% Chlorhexidine solution wipes; Environmental Decontamination
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 2
    Registry status
    Terminated
    Start
    2011-04
    Completion
    2015-05
    Enrolment
    47

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionCystic Fibrosis; Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus
    InterventionRifampin; Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole; Minocycline; Mupirocin +3 more
    PhasePhase 2
    Registry statusTerminated
  • Prevention of Surgical Site Infections: Effectiveness of Nasal Povidone-Iodine and Nasal Mupirocin

    NCT01313182 · start 2011-03

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT01313182
    Conditions
    Surgical Site Infection
    Interventions
    mupirocin calcium ointment, 2%; 3M Skin and Nasal Antiseptic
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 4
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2011-03
    Completion
    2012-09
    Enrolment
    1,874

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionSurgical Site Infection
    Interventionmupirocin calcium ointment, 2%; 3M Skin and Nasal Antiseptic
    PhasePhase 4
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Timolol Option for Ulcerated Hemangiomas (TOUCH Trial)

    NCT01408056 · start 2011-02

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT01408056
    Conditions
    Infantile Hemangiomas
    Interventions
    Timolol 0.5% Gel Forming Solution (GFS); Mupirocin 2% Ointment
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 2
    Registry status
    Withdrawn
    Start
    2011-02
    Completion
    2014-01
    Enrolment
    0

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionInfantile Hemangiomas
    InterventionTimolol 0.5% Gel Forming Solution (GFS); Mupirocin 2% Ointment
    PhasePhase 2
    Registry statusWithdrawn