Bactroban is a prescription cream that is used for the treatment of bacterial infection of the skin, often of the nasal passages. Your doctor may also prescribe it to treat infections that are on different areas of the body. Bactroban works by preventing the replication of bacteria that cause infection. Typically, the body can fight off bacteria on its own. But if bacteria can multiply faster than the body can manage, Bactroban can slow down the infection so that the body can clear it. Bactroban works by blocking a protein called bacterial isoleucyl transfer-RNA synthetase. Blocking this protein prevents the formation of critical proteins, causing the bacterial cells to die. Fact Table Formula C26H44O9 License US FDA Bioavailability 100% Legal status CA OTC, US Rx Only Chemical Name Mupirocin Elimination half-life 20 to 40 minutes Dosage (Strength) 2% Pregnancy Consult Doctor Brands Bactroban Protein binding 97% PubChem CID 446596 MedlinePlus a688004 ChEBI 7025 ATC code D06AX09 DrugBank DB00410 KEGG D01076 Routes of administration Topical