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Is an antibiotic obtained from Pseudomonas fluorescens.
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The drug has structural resemblance to the amino acid isoleucine. It competes with isoleucine for binding to isoleucyl tRNA synthetase and prevents formation of isoleucyl tRNA and bacterial protein synthesis.
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Because of its unique mechanism of action, it does not exhibit cross-resistance with other antimicrobial drugs.
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Mupirocin is active against gram-positive cocci, including most strains of methicillin-resistant staphylococci; (MRSA).
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It also inhibits most beta (β)-hemolytic streptococci, including S. pyogenes.
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Mupirocin is the first effective topical therapy for impetigo, a skin disease caused by streptococci and staphylococci. In cases of impetigo, it is applied as a cream to affected areas for 5 days.
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The drug is rapidly inactivated in the body and is not used systemically.