Mupirocin in Pediatric Bacterial Skin Infections
Primary Indications and Efficacy
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends mupirocin 2% ointment for impetigo, with clinical efficacy rates of 78% in pediatric patients aged 2 months to 15 years 1
- Mupirocin 2% ointment is effective for secondarily infected skin lesions, including eczema, ulcers, and lacerations, with clinical efficacy rates supported by multiple studies 1, 2, 3
Treatment of Complicated Skin and Soft Tissue Infections
- For hospitalized children with complicated skin and soft tissue infections, vancomycin is recommended, or clindamycin 10-13 mg/kg/dose IV every 6-8 hours if local clindamycin resistance is low (<10%) 1, 2, 3
- Mupirocin is not appropriate for extensive or widespread impetigo, purulent cellulitis or abscesses, or signs of systemic toxicity, and systemic antibiotics should be considered instead 1, 2
Decolonization and Prevention of Recurrent Infections
- For recurrent S. aureus skin infections, intranasal mupirocin twice daily for 5-10 days can be considered as part of a decolonization strategy, combined with chlorhexidine washes and environmental hygiene measures 4, 5, 6