Efficacy and safety profile of topical 2% mupirocin vs topical 2% fusidic acid in the treatment of superficial bacterial infections

Abstract

Background: Bacterial skin infections are the 28th most common diagnosis in hospitalized patients. Cellulitis, impetigo, and folliculitis are the most common bacterial skin infections. The present study was conducted to compare the efficacy and safety profile of topical 2% mupirocin vs topical 2% fusidic acid in the treatment of superficial bacterial infections. Materials & Methods: 50 patients diagnosed with bacterial infections of the skin were randomly divided into 2 groups of 25 each. Group I patients were prescribed topical 2% mupirocin and group II were prescribed 2% fusidic acid cream. Results: Group I had 12 males and 13 females and group II had 11 males and 14 females. The mean score at baseline was 7.8 in group I and 8.2 in group II, at 4^th day was 5.2 in group I and 4.7 in group II and at 14^th day was 2.7 in group I and 2.6 in group II. The difference was non- significant (P>0.05). No significant side effects were observed.  Conclusion: Both topical 2% mupirocin and topical 2% fusidic acid are well-established in the treatment of uncomplicated bacterial skin infections. Topical mupirocin and topical fusidic acid are equally effective.

Keywords: Bacterial, Fusidic acid, Mupirocin.