Topical Antibacterials
2026/07/07
Topical antibacterials are used to treat superficial bacterial infections of the skin. Common medications include tetracycline, gentamicin, mupirocin, and fusidic acid. They may be formulated as creams or ointments.
- Wash your hands.
- Apply a small amount gently to the cleansed affected area, may cover with gauze dressing.
- Use for the duration specified by your doctor or stated on the medicine label.
- This is for external use only. Avoid areas such as eyes, ears and mouth.
If you forget to use the medication, apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next application, only apply the usual amount. Do not double the amount of cream or apply extra medication to make up for the missed application.
Inform your healthcare professional if:
- You are allergic to these medications or any of the other ingredients of these medications
- Do not use these medications for long periods of time unless instructed by your doctor. Follow your doctor’s instructions for how long to use it for.
Side effects include application site reactions (eg itching, stinging, redness).
Pain, swelling or skin condition gets worse after using the medication
The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:
- Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
- Difficulty in breathing
- Itchy skin rashes over your whole body
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.
Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.
Pack the medication into a bag and bring it back to the pharmacy where you received the medication from.
Disclaimer:
- Please take note that the above is not a complete list of all possible side effects. If you have any concerns about your medication or if you have other side effects that you think are caused by this medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.
- If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately.
- The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.
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