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Mupirocin

Drugs and Chemicals · NLM MeSH · updated 2026-10-31 · version 1

Citations verified against PubMedNot yet clinician-reviewed10 referencesApproximately 5 min read

A topically used antibiotic from a strain of Pseudomonas fluorescens.

Table of Contents

1. Definition2. Research landscape3. Reading the evidence4. Open-access studies5. Key reviews6. References7. About this article

Definition and research guide

This page combines a MeSH definition, publication statistics and selected research abstracts. It is a starting point for reading the literature, not a medical textbook or a systematic evidence review.

Content available: 4 complete abstracts (888 words), 10 references. Full article text is not stored or reproduced here; follow the PMID, DOI or PMC links to read the original sources and their access terms.

Definition

A topically used antibiotic from a strain of Pseudomonas fluorescens. It has shown excellent activity against gram-positive staphylococci and streptococci. The antibiotic is used primarily for the treatment of primary and secondary skin disorders, nasal infections, and wound healing.

Definition: NLM Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) scope note (Public domain (U.S. National Library of Medicine); attribution requested). View the MeSH record.

Also known as: Pseudomonic Acid A; Mupirocin, Calcium Salt (2:1); Mupirocin, Calcium Salt (2:1), Dihydrate; Mupirocin, Sodium Salt; Mupirocin, Lithium Salt; Mupirocin, 14C-Labeled; 14C-Labeled Mupirocin; Mupirocin, 14C Labeled.

Where it fits in the MeSH classification

Broader topics
Epoxy Compounds; Pyrans; Fatty Acids

Research landscape

PubMed indexes 1,473 records tagged with the MeSH heading “Mupirocin” (counts retrieved 2026-10-31). 237 of them (16.1%) were published from 2020 onward, and the busiest period so far is 2010-2019 with 519 records.

Reviews account for 152 records (10.3%) and meta-analyses for 26. Randomized controlled trials number 156 (10.6%) as a share of all records on the topic. Randomized trials make up a comparatively large share of this literature, which means many treatment questions have been tested directly.

PubMed records by publication periodthrough 1999: 334 records; 2000-2009: 383 records; 2010-2019: 519 records; 2020 onward: 237 records334through 19993832000-20095192010-20192372020 onward
Records in PubMed indexed with this heading, by publication period. Real counts from NCBI E-utilities; the final period covers only part of the current year. Volume reflects how much has been published, not how strong the evidence is.
Show the data
PeriodRecords
through 1999334
2000-2009383
2010-2019519
2020 onward237
Share of records by publication typeReviews: 10.3 percent; Meta-analyses: 1.8 percent; Randomized controlled trials: 10.6 percentReviews10.3% (152)Meta-analyses1.8% (26)Randomized controlled trials10.6% (156)
Share of all PubMed records on this heading that carry each publication type. Types overlap with other records, so the shares do not sum to 100%.
Publication-type chart data
Publication types among 1,473 PubMed records
TypeRecordsShare
Reviews15210.3%
Meta-analyses261.8%
Randomized controlled trials15610.6%

Method: PubMed query "Mupirocin"[MeSH Terms] with publication-type and date filters, retrieved 2026-10-31.

Reading the evidence in drugs and chemicals

Studies of a chemical or drug can answer very different questions: what it is and how it behaves in cells and animals, how the body handles it, and whether it changes outcomes in people. Laboratory and animal findings often do not carry over to patients, and observational studies of exposures are confounded by who uses a substance and why. Nothing on this page is a recommendation to use, avoid, start or stop any substance or medicine; talk to a qualified clinician or pharmacist about your own situation. Check the dose, the species, the comparison group and whether a patient-relevant outcome was measured.

Evidence from open-access studies

These open-access studies come from PubMed’s best-match results for this heading (papers whose main topic it is), ranked here by citation count, with one recent addition. Each abstract is reproduced in full under its recorded open licence so that you can read the authors’ own words. They illustrate the literature; they are not a systematic summary of it. Citation counts measure attention, not reliability or clinical benefit.

Study comparison — selected abstracts, not a systematic review
Study / authorsYearSource label / designEurope PMC citationsLicence / source
Targeting FTO induces colorectal cancer ferroptotic cell death by decreasing SLC7A11/GPX4 expression
Qiao Y, Su M, Zhao H, Liu H, Wang C, Dai X, et al.
2024Research article
Design not recorded in structured metadata
83cc by
PMID 38600610 · DOI · PMC11005233
Epistasis analysis uncovers hidden antibiotic resistance-associated fitness costs hampering the evolution of MRSA
Yokoyama M, Stevens E, Laabei M, Bacon L, Heesom K, Bayliss S, et al.
2018Research article
Design not recorded in structured metadata
37cc by
PMID 30021593 · DOI · PMC6052701
Candida albicans/Staphylococcus aureus Dual-Species Biofilm as a Target for the Combination of Essential Oils and Fluconazole or Mupirocin
Budzyńska A, Różalska S, Sadowska B, Różalska B
2017Research article
Design not recorded in structured metadata
29cc by
PMID 28823093 · DOI · PMC5684249
Cefadroxil-Mupirocin Integrated Electrospun Nanofiber Films for Burn Wound Therapy
Rashid S, Ijaz M, Rafique S, Yasin H, Mushtaq M, Khan AK, et al.
2026Research article
Design not recorded in structured metadata
3cc by
PMID 40539348 · DOI · PMC13555835

Targeting FTO induces colorectal cancer ferroptotic cell death by decreasing SLC7A11/GPX4 expression [1]

Research article Qiao Y, Su M, Zhao H, Liu H, Wang C, Dai X, et al. · · 2024 · cited 83 times (Europe PMC)

Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
Opening excerpt
Ferroptosis is a newly identified iron-dependent form of death that is becoming increasingly recognized as a promising avenue for cancer therapy.
Closing excerpt
Our findings reveal that FTO protects CRC from ferroptotic cell death in promoting CRC tumorigenesis through triggering SLC7A11/GPX4 expression.
Interpretation limits
Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (187 words)

Ferroptosis is a newly identified iron-dependent form of death that is becoming increasingly recognized as a promising avenue for cancer therapy. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant reversible methylation modification in mRNA contributing to tumorigenesis. However, the crucial role of m6A modification in regulating ferroptosis during colorectal cancer (CRC) tumorigenesis remains elusive. Herein, we find that m6A modification is increased during ferroptotic cell death and correlates with the decreased m6A demethylase fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) expression. Functionally, we demonstrate that suppressing FTO significantly induces CRC ferroptotic cell death, as well as enhancing CRC cell sensitivity to ferroptosis inducer (Erastin and RSL3) treatment. Mechanistically, high FTO expression increased solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) or glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) expressions in an m6A-YTHDF2 dependent manner, thereby counteracting ferroptotic cell death stress. In addition, we identify Mupirocin as a novel inhibitor of FTO, and Mupirocin induces CRC ferroptosis and inhibits tumor growth. Clinically, the levels of FTO, SLC7A11, and GPX4, are highly correlated expression in CRC tissues. Our findings reveal that FTO protects CRC from ferroptotic cell death in promoting CRC tumorigenesis through triggering SLC7A11/GPX4 expression.

Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 38600610 · DOI · PMC11005233

Epistasis analysis uncovers hidden antibiotic resistance-associated fitness costs hampering the evolution of MRSA [2]

Research article Yokoyama M, Stevens E, Laabei M, Bacon L, Heesom K, Bayliss S, et al. · · 2018 · cited 37 times (Europe PMC)

Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
Opening excerpt
BackgroundFitness costs imposed on bacteria by antibiotic resistance mechanisms are believed to hamper their dissemination.
Closing excerpt
However, this study suggests there are levels of depth that we do not understand, and that holistic, surveillance and functional genomics approaches are required to gain this crucial information.
Interpretation limits
Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (241 words)

BackgroundFitness costs imposed on bacteria by antibiotic resistance mechanisms are believed to hamper their dissemination. The scale of these costs is highly variable. Some, including resistance of Staphylococcus aureus to the clinically important antibiotic mupirocin, have been reported as being cost-free, which suggests that there are few barriers preventing their global spread. However, this is not supported by surveillance data in healthy communities, which indicate that this resistance mechanism is relatively unsuccessful.ResultsEpistasis analysis on two collections of MRSA provides an explanation for this discord, where the mupirocin resistance-conferring mutation of the ileS gene appears to affect the levels of toxins produced by S. aureus when combined with specific polymorphisms at other loci. Proteomic analysis demonstrates that the activity of the secretory apparatus of the PSM family of toxins is affected by mupirocin resistance. As an energetically costly activity, this reduction in toxicity masks the fitness costs associated with this resistance mutation, a cost that becomes apparent when toxin production becomes necessary. This hidden fitness cost provides a likely explanation for why this mupirocin-resistance mechanism is not more prevalent, given the widespread use of this antibiotic.ConclusionsWith dwindling pools of antibiotics available for use, information on the fitness consequences of the acquisition of resistance may need to be considered when designing antibiotic prescribing policies. However, this study suggests there are levels of depth that we do not understand, and that holistic, surveillance and functional genomics approaches are required to gain this crucial information.

Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 30021593 · DOI · PMC6052701

Candida albicans/Staphylococcus aureus Dual-Species Biofilm as a Target for the Combination of Essential Oils and Fluconazole or Mupirocin [3]

Research article Budzyńska A, Różalska S, Sadowska B, Różalska B · · 2017 · cited 29 times (Europe PMC)

Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
Opening excerpt
The effectiveness of essential oils (EOs), fluconazole (FLU) and mupirocin (MUP) used alone or in combination against mono-species and mixed Candida albicans/Staphylococcus aureus biofilms was examined.
Closing excerpt
Moreover, dual-species biofilm formation was limited by sub-MIC of EOs, and preformed mixed biofilm was eliminated more efficiently by combined action of drugs and EOs.
Interpretation limits
Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (141 words)

The effectiveness of essential oils (EOs), fluconazole (FLU) and mupirocin (MUP) used alone or in combination against mono-species and mixed Candida albicans/Staphylococcus aureus biofilms was examined. An experimentally established dual-species biofilm model, verified by fluorescence microscopy and viable cell counting, was used. Selected commercial EOs were tested: geranium, citronella and clove oils, which have been chemically characterized and found to differ in the content of the main components (qualitative and quantitative). As expected, C. albicans and S. aureus biofilms were less susceptible to fluconazole and mupirocin action, respectively, compared to the planktonic counterparts. However, the drug effectiveness in combination with the EOs was significantly improved, giving enhancement of biofilm eradication than caused by the antibiotics alone. Moreover, dual-species biofilm formation was limited by sub-MIC of EOs, and preformed mixed biofilm was eliminated more efficiently by combined action of drugs and EOs.

Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 28823093 · DOI · PMC5684249

Cefadroxil-Mupirocin Integrated Electrospun Nanofiber Films for Burn Wound Therapy [4]

Research article Rashid S, Ijaz M, Rafique S, Yasin H, Mushtaq M, Khan AK, et al. · · 2026 · cited 3 times (Europe PMC)

Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
Opening excerpt
IntroductionThis study aims to fabricate dual drug-loaded nanofibrous films made from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and chitosan, incorporating cefadroxil and mupirocin to meet the critical needs of burn wound care.
Closing excerpt
ConclusionThe study demonstrates that cefadroxil-mupirocin nanofiber films provide superior antibacterial activity and faster wound healing rates, highlighting their potential in advanced burn wound management.
Interpretation limits
Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (319 words)

IntroductionThis study aims to fabricate dual drug-loaded nanofibrous films made from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and chitosan, incorporating cefadroxil and mupirocin to meet the critical needs of burn wound care.MethodsElectrospinning was utilized to fabricate cefadroxil- and mupirocin-loaded polyvinyl alcohol PVA/Chitosan nanofibers. Characterization of structural and morphological properties of these nanofibers was done through Fourier Transform IR Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Thermal analysis by TGA, and XRD spectroscopy. The kinetic profiles of the drug release mechanisms were considered to determine the release of cefadroxil and mupirocin. Antibacterial activity was determined against the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, while the wound healing efficacy was tested in a rabbit model using full-thickness wounds.ResultsSEM analysis demonstrated the formation of uniform and smooth nanofibers possessing a well-defined morphology. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the successful incorporation of cefadroxil and mupirocin into the PVA/Chitosan matrix. TGA analysis indicated the thermal stability of the nanofibers, while XRD results suggested that the drugs were either molecularly dispersed or in an amorphous state within the biopolymeric blend. Drug release studies showed distinct profiles, with an initial burst release followed by sustained drug release. Over 80% of mupirocin was released within the first 2 hours, while cefadroxil exhibited a cumulative release exceeding 60%. Antibacterial assays showed significant inhibition zones, with the largest being 20 mm against Staphylococcus aureus. In vivo studies utilizing a full-thickness rabbit wound model revealed that the drug-loaded nanofibers accelerated wound contraction, achieving approximately 90% closure by day 17, compared to less than 70% for the control.DiscussionThe dual drug-loaded PVA/Chitosan nanofiber films demonstrated excellent antibacterial efficacy and improved wound healing, indicating their therapeutic potential for burn wound management. The combination of cefadroxil and mupirocin within the nanofiber matrix enabled rapid initial drug release followed by sustained delivery, contributing to effective infection control and tissue regeneration.ConclusionThe study demonstrates that cefadroxil-mupirocin nanofiber films provide superior antibacterial activity and faster wound healing rates, highlighting their potential in advanced burn wound management.

Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 40539348 · DOI · PMC13555835

Key reviews and meta-analyses

The most cited review-type papers among PubMed’s best-match results for this heading, listed with bibliographic details only. Follow the links for the full text and access terms.

  • Research article Mupirocin resistance [5]
    Patel JB, Gorwitz RJ, Jernigan JA · Clin Infect Dis · 2009 · cited 250 times (Europe PMC)
  • Research article Dialysis catheter-related bacteremia: treatment and prophylaxis [6]
    Allon M · Am J Kidney Dis · 2004 · cited 218 times (Europe PMC)
  • Research article The emergence of mupirocin resistance: a challenge to infection control and antibiotic prescribing practice [7]
    Cookson BD · J Antimicrob Chemother · 1998 · cited 168 times (Europe PMC)
  • Research article Intranasal mupirocin for reduction of Staphylococcus aureus infections in surgical patients with nasal carriage: a systematic review [8]
    van Rijen MM, Bonten M, Wenzel RP, Kluytmans JA · J Antimicrob Chemother · 2008 · cited 131 times (Europe PMC)
  • Research article Mupirocin resistance: clinical implications and potential alternatives for the eradication of MRSA [9]
    Poovelikunnel T, Gethin G, Humphreys H · J Antimicrob Chemother · 2015 · cited 128 times (Europe PMC)
  • Research article Mupirocin ointment for preventing Staphylococcus aureus infections in nasal carriers [10]
    van Rijen M, Bonten M, Wenzel R, Kluytmans J · Cochrane Database Syst Rev · 2008 · cited 122 times (Europe PMC)

References

  1. Qiao Y, Su M, Zhao H, Liu H, Wang C, Dai X, et al.. Targeting FTO induces colorectal cancer ferroptotic cell death by decreasing SLC7A11/GPX4 expression. . 2024. PMID 38600610 · DOI · PMC11005233
  2. Yokoyama M, Stevens E, Laabei M, Bacon L, Heesom K, Bayliss S, et al.. Epistasis analysis uncovers hidden antibiotic resistance-associated fitness costs hampering the evolution of MRSA. . 2018. PMID 30021593 · DOI · PMC6052701
  3. Budzyńska A, Różalska S, Sadowska B, Różalska B. Candida albicans/Staphylococcus aureus Dual-Species Biofilm as a Target for the Combination of Essential Oils and Fluconazole or Mupirocin. . 2017. PMID 28823093 · DOI · PMC5684249
  4. Rashid S, Ijaz M, Rafique S, Yasin H, Mushtaq M, Khan AK, et al.. Cefadroxil-Mupirocin Integrated Electrospun Nanofiber Films for Burn Wound Therapy. . 2026. PMID 40539348 · DOI · PMC13555835
  5. Patel JB, Gorwitz RJ, Jernigan JA. Mupirocin resistance. Clin Infect Dis. 2009. PMID 19673644 · DOI
  6. Allon M. Dialysis catheter-related bacteremia: treatment and prophylaxis. Am J Kidney Dis. 2004. PMID 15492943 · DOI
  7. Cookson BD. The emergence of mupirocin resistance: a challenge to infection control and antibiotic prescribing practice. J Antimicrob Chemother. 1998. PMID 9511032 · DOI
  8. van Rijen MM, Bonten M, Wenzel RP, Kluytmans JA. Intranasal mupirocin for reduction of Staphylococcus aureus infections in surgical patients with nasal carriage: a systematic review. J Antimicrob Chemother. 2008. PMID 18174201 · DOI
  9. Poovelikunnel T, Gethin G, Humphreys H. Mupirocin resistance: clinical implications and potential alternatives for the eradication of MRSA. J Antimicrob Chemother. 2015. PMID 26142407 · DOI
  10. van Rijen M, Bonten M, Wenzel R, Kluytmans J. Mupirocin ointment for preventing Staphylococcus aureus infections in nasal carriers. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008. PMID 18843708 · DOI · PMC8988859

About this article

Sources
NLM Medical Subject Headings (definition, synonyms); NCBI PubMed (counts, identifiers); Europe PMC (open-access abstracts and citation counts).
Verification
Every reference was resolved against PubMed on 2026-10-31; title, year and DOI matched.
Review state
automated source verified; no human expert review has been recorded yet.
Version
1, last updated 2026-10-31.

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At a glance

1,473
PubMed records on this heading
16%
published since 2020
152
review articles
156
randomized trials
10
verified references below

Counts come from PubMed on 2026-10-31; they show how much has been written, not how strong the evidence is.

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