Bactex Ointment Mupirocin Topical Antibiotic

Bactex Ointment is a topical antibiotic formulation for bacterial skin infections, containing Mupirocin 2% as the active ingredient. It acts locally at the application site with minimal systemic absorption.

Mupirocin works by inhibiting Isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase in bacteria, preventing protein synthesis and halting bacterial replication. This mechanism is distinct from other antibiotic classes, making it effective against certain resistant strains including MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).

Bactex is manufactured by Union Drug Laboratories Ltd., Thailand, in an ointment base that provides longer contact time at the wound site compared to cream formulations — supporting wound moisture and added protection.

Bactex Ointment treats bacterial skin infections primarily caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes, including:

• Infected wounds — cuts, abrasions, or scratches showing signs of infection (pus, redness, swelling)
• Impetigo — superficial blisters or pustules on the skin, common in children and highly contagious
• Folliculitis — red or pus-filled bumps around hair follicles, tender to touch
• Secondary infected dermatoses — skin conditions complicated by bacterial superinfection (e.g., infected eczema, insect bites)
• Infected abrasions — minor traumatic wounds with bacterial colonisation

Mupirocin ointment is specifically effective against Gram-positive bacteria — it is not indicated for fungal, viral, or Gram-negative bacterial infections.

Correct application of Bactex Ointment ensures full efficacy and reduces the risk of antibiotic resistance.

• Wash hands before and after each application
• Clean the wound with clean water or saline solution before applying
• Apply a small amount of Mupirocin ointment (about the size of a pea) as a thin layer over the affected area
• Apply 2–3 times daily or as directed by a pharmacist
• Cover with a sterile gauze or plaster if needed
• Continue for 5–7 days even if symptoms improve, to prevent recurrence
• If symptoms do not improve within 3–5 days or worsen, consult a doctor

Available sizes: 5g (suitable for small localised wounds) and 15g (suitable for multiple sites or extended treatment courses)

Do not apply Bactex to eyes, ears, or mucous membranes — for external skin use only.

Bactex Ointment (Mupirocin) is generally well tolerated with a low side-effect profile, given its minimal systemic absorption. Possible side effects include:

• Common (1–10%): Mild burning, stinging, or itching at the application site — usually resolves within 1–2 days
• Uncommon (0.1–1%): Contact dermatitis — increased redness, swelling, itching; discontinue and consult a doctor
• Rare (<0.1%): Systemic allergic reaction — may occur with application over large body surface areas

Stop use and seek medical attention immediately if:

• Severe allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, facial swelling, hives
• Symptoms worsen after 3–5 days of treatment
• New rash or pustules appear

Bactex does not cause liver, kidney, or systemic organ side effects due to its negligible systemic absorption.

Contraindications for Bactex Ointment:

• Known hypersensitivity to Mupirocin or any excipient in the formulation
• Do not apply to eyes, ears, nose, mouth, or mucous membranes
• Avoid application over large body surface areas (>10%) without medical supervision

Precautions:

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: No clear evidence of harm, but consult a doctor before use
• Children under 2 years: Consult a doctor before use
• Deep wounds or large open injuries: Not suitable for Bactex — seek medical treatment
• Antibiotic resistance: Do not use continuously for more than 10 days without medical advice to prevent mupirocin resistance
• If symptoms do not resolve after 5–7 days, the causative organism may not be susceptible to Mupirocin — culture and sensitivity testing may be needed

Intimo Life stocks 3 topical antibiotics for bacterial skin infections:

• Bactex Ointment (Mupirocin) — Mupirocin 2%; excellent against Staph/MRSA; infected wounds, impetigo, folliculitis; ointment base (occlusive, moisturising)
• Fucidin Cream (Fusidic acid) — Fusidic acid; different mechanism to Mupirocin; general Staph skin infections; cream base (faster absorption)
• Fucidin Ointment (Sodium fusidate) — Sodium fusidate (salt form of Fusidic acid); ointment base (more occlusive); suitable for dry or crusted lesions

Quick guide: Choose Bactex when the wound is heavily purulent or MRSA is suspected; choose Fucidin when Fusidic acid is specifically recommended by your pharmacist or doctor.

Bactex Ointment (Mupirocin) has negligible systemic absorption, making interactions with oral medications extremely unlikely. Key points:

• Other topicals at same site: Do not mix Bactex with corticosteroid cream or other topical antibiotics at the same wound site — apply separately
• Oral antibiotics: Can be used alongside Bactex for severe infections without interaction, as mechanisms differ

When in doubt about combining medications, always consult a pharmacist first.

After applying Bactex Ointment, Mupirocin begins inhibiting bacterial growth within 24–48 hours. Typical timeline:

• Day 1–2: Reduced redness, discharge, and pain
• Day 3–5: Impetigo crusts dry, folliculitis pustules reduce
• Day 5–7: 90%+ bacterial eradication (NCBI StatPearls); wound closing

If no improvement after 7 days, consult a doctor — other organisms (fungal, viral, Gram-negative) may be involved. The 15g size covers a full treatment course without repurchasing.

Where to Buy Bactex?

Order Bactex Ointment online at Intimo Life with nationwide delivery across Thailand within 1–3 business days. Discreet packaging — product name not shown on the parcel. Available in both 5g and 15g sizes to suit your needs.