OverviewDosageSide EffectsInteractionsHalf-Life

Mupirocin was the 186th  most commonly prescribed drug in the United States in 2017. In that year alone, there were over three million prescriptions. Considering how popular this drug is right now, it pays to know a little bit more about this medication, including how long mupirocin stays in your system.

Experts state the following information regarding mupirocin half-life:

Mean effective half-life: 20 to 40 minutes once in the circulation

Time to steady-state: A 1988 study found the steady-state to be five minutes

Mean accumulation ratio: This drug does not accumulate

Terminal phase half-life: 20 to 40 minutes once in the circulation

Mupirocin is a topical application readily absorbed in both ointment and cream formulas.  

FAQ

What is the half-life of mupirocin?

It is challenging to measure half-life since mupirocin is a topical application. The FDA measured it by using an intravenous administration. With this method, the half-life of mupirocin is from 20 to 40 minutes once it enters the bloodstream. 

How long does mupirocin stay in your system?

Mupirocin is detectable in your system for the following time frames:

  • Your blood for up to 80 minutes

A byproduct of the metabolism of mupirocin (monic acid) may be detectable in urine tests, but the minimal level should not affect drug testing. The kidneys excrete monic acid. 

Can you overuse mupirocin?

One should not use mupirocin for longer than ten days. The medication should be applied only as directed by the prescriber. Overuse of this topical medication can lead to yeast infections in some areas of the body and cause skin irritation. 

Disclaimer: this article does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have an emergency or a serious medical question, please contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately. To see our full medical disclaimer, visit our Terms of Use page.


More about Mupirocin

http://www.darlaferrara.com/

Written by

Fact Checked by