INTRODUCTION ABOUT SERBACT OINTMENT

SERBACT OINTMENT contains Mupirocin which belongs to the group of medicines called Antibacterial agents. It is used to manage bacterial skin infections such as folliculitis (swelling of the skin around the hair roots), impetigo (appears as a small scratch or itchy patch of eczema) and furunculosis (pus-filled bump under the skin caused by infected and inflamed hair follicles).

It can also be used to manage skin infections due to small cuts, lacerations, wounds, or scraped skin. SERBACT OINTMENT should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems. Before applying SERBACT OINTMENT, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

SERBACT OINTMENT is not recommended for use in children (aged under 1 year) and it should be used with caution in elderly patients (above 65 years of age). The most common side effects associated with the use of SERBACT OINTMENT are application site reactions such as itching, redness, burning, rash, swelling, and pain in the skin. Consult your doctor if any of the side effects worsen.

USES OF SERBACT OINTMENT

Manage bacterial skin infections such as folliculitis, impetigo and furunculosis
Manage infections on the skin due to small cuts, lacerations, wounds or on scraped skin

HOW SERBACT OINTMENT WORKS

SERBACT OINTMENT works by killing the bacteria that cause skin infections by managing the synthesis of essential proteins necessary for the survival of bacteria. Thereby, managing the skin infection from spreading.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Apply SERBACT OINTMENT as advised by your physician. It is for external use only. Wash your hands before and after applying for the medicine. Apply a thin layer of this medicine to the affected area of the skin and rub it gently. You can cover the managed area with a plaster or other suitable dressing if advised by the doctor. Your doctor will decide the correct frequency and duration for you depending on your age and disease condition.

SIDE EFFECTS OF SERBACT OINTMENT

COMMON

application site reactions such as itching, redness, burning, rash, swelling, and pain in the skin

UNCOMMON

application site reactions such as stinging or dryness on the skin
soreness of the other parts of the body

RARE

Stop applying SERBACT OINTMENT and contact your doctor immediately if you experience this side effect:

inflammation of the colon (large intestine) (symptoms include diarrhoea, usually with blood and mucus, stomach pain and fever)

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Dry Skin

Drink a lot of fluids. Apply moisturiser several times a day after consulting your doctor. Do not take a bath for a long time (not more than 5–10 minutes) and use warm water for bathing. Choose fabric clothes to wear. Consult your doctor if the symptom does not improve.

Skin Rash Or Itching

Avoid taking hot showers because hot water can irritate your skin further. Do not scratch the affected area. Avoid prolonged sun exposure or UV rays, as they may sensitise your skin. Use sunscreen and protective clothing when going outdoors. Regularly moisturise your skin after consulting the doctor. Consult your doctor if the symptom does not improve.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

PREGNANCY

Consult your doctor

If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant or planning to have a baby ask your doctor before applying for this medicine.

BREASTFEEDING

Consult your doctor

Inform your doctor if you are a breastfeeding woman before applying SERBACT OINTMENT.

DRIVING AND USING MACHINES

Use with Caution

It is unlikely that SERBACT OINTMENT will affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.

KIDNEY

Use with Caution

SERBACT OINTMENT should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems. Consult your doctor before applying SERBACT OINTMENT.

ALLERGY

Contraindicated

Do not apply SERBACT OINTMENT if you are allergic to Mupirocin or any other ingredients of this medicine.

USE IN PEDIATRICS

Contraindicated

SERBACT OINTMENT is not recommended for use in children (aged under 1 year). Consult the child’s doctor for advice.

USE IN GERIATRICS

Use with Caution

SERBACT OINTMENT should be used with caution in elderly patients (above 65 years of age). Consult your doctor before applying SERBACT OINTMENT.

OTHERS

SERBACT OINTMENT is not recommended for use if you:

have infection in the nose (especially inner nose) and eyes

Before applying SERBACT OINTMENT inform your doctor if you:

have open wounds or damaged skin

INTERACTIONS

A. Drug-Drug interactions:

Before applying SERBACT OINTMENT, inform your doctor, if you are taking or using any medicines including prescription, non-prescription and herbals or vitamin supplements.

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally swallowed or used too much of SERBACT OINTMENT consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital.

SYNOPSIS

Drug	:	Mupirocin
Pharmacological Category	:	Antibacterial agents
Therapeutic Indication	:	Bacterial Skin infections
Dosage Forms	:	Ointment, Cream, Gel, Powder

MORE INFORMATION

Keep SERBACT OINTMENT out of reach from children
Store SERBACT OINTMENT at room temperature

FAQs ABOUT SERBACT OINTMENT

Q: What is SERBACT OINTMENT used for?

A: SERBACT OINTMENT is used to manage bacterial skin infections such as folliculitis (swelling of the skin around the hair roots), impetigo (appearing as a small scratch or itchy patch of eczema), and furunculosis (a pus-filled bump under the skin caused by infected and inflamed hair follicles). It can also be used to manage skin infections due to small cuts, lacerations, wounds, or scraped skin.

Q: How to apply SERBACT OINTMENT

A: Apply SERBACT OINTMENT as advised by your physician. It is for external use only. Wash your hands before and after applying for the medicine. Apply a thin layer of this medicine to the affected area of the skin and rub it gently. You can cover the managed area with a plaster or other suitable dressing if advised by the doctor.

Q: How does SERBACT OINTMENT work?

A: SERBACT OINTMENT works by killing the bacteria that cause skin infections by managing the synthesis of essential proteins necessary for the survival of bacteria. thereby managing the skin infection from spreading.

Q: For how long do I need to use SERBACT OINTMENT?

A: Use SERBACT OINTMENT for the duration as advised by your doctor. The bacteria are normally cleared from your skin within 10 days of starting the management. Unless otherwise directed by a doctor, do not use it for more than 10 days. If your skin condition does not improve within 3–5 days, consult your doctor for advice.

Q: Does SERBACT OINTMENT cause skin dryness?

A: Yes, SERBACT OINTMENT may cause skin dryness in some individuals. To manage this effect, drink a lot of fluids and apply a moisturiser several times a day after consulting your doctor. Do not take a bath for a long time (not more than 5–10 minutes) and use warm water for bathing. Choose fabric clothes to wear. Consult your doctor if the symptom does not improve.

REFERENCES

1. KD Tripathi. Macrolide and other antibacterial antibiotics. Essentials of Medical Pharmacology Seventh edition. New Delhi, May 2013. Page – 759.

2. MacDougall C, Chambers HF. Protein Synthesis Inhibitors and Miscellaneous Antibacterial Agents. In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman and Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 12th edition. New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. Page - 1544.

3. Chambers HF, Deck DH. Miscellaneous Antimicrobial Agents; Disinfectants, Antiseptics, and Sterilants. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th edition. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. Page - 877-878.

4. J Rumsfield, D P West, I K Aronson. Topical mupirocin in the treatment of bacterial skin infections. NIH: National Library of Medicine, National center for biotechnology information. Pubmed.gov. December 1986. [Accessed on 8th August 2022] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3102197/

5. Taro Pharmaceuticals USA. A Study to Evaluate the Safety and Bioequivalence of Mupirocin Calcium Cream, 2% and Bactroban Cream and Compare Both to a Vehicle in Treatment of Secondarily Infected Traumatic Skin Lesions. NIH U.S. National Library of Medicine ClinicalTrials.gov. [Revised in May 2019] [Accessed on 8th August 2022] https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01876550

6. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation. Mupirocin. [Accessed on 8th August 2022] https://cdscoonline.gov.in/CDSCO/Drugs

7. GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals S.A. Health Product Regulatory Authority (HPRA). [Revised in July 2021] [Accessed on 8th August 2022] https://www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/swedocuments/9a18d662-ca69-4646-a422-408de6e1d719.pdf

8. Kleva Pharmaceuticals S.A. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in March 2018] [Accessed on 8th August 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.3365.pdf

9. Glaxo Wellcome Operations. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in September 2021] [Accessed on 8th August 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.3812.pdf

USEFUL DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

Complete blood count

AUTHOR DETAILS

Written By Dr. Dhivakaran R, BDS
Last updated on 06 Mar 2023 | 04:58 PM(IST)