Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: BACTROBAN versus POLYSPORIN.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: BACTROBAN versus POLYSPORIN.
BACTROBAN vs POLYSPORIN
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Binds to isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase, inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis.
Polysporin is a combination of polymyxin B and bacitracin. Polymyxin B disrupts bacterial cell membrane by binding to lipopolysaccharides, increasing permeability. Bacitracin inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by interfering with dephosphorylation of the lipid carrier in peptidoglycan synthesis.
Mupirocin (Bactroban) 2% ointment or cream applied topically to affected area three times daily for 5 to 14 days. For intranasal use: 0.5 g of 2% ointment applied to each nostril twice daily for 5 days.
Apply a thin layer topically to the affected area 1 to 3 times daily. If using the ointment, cover with a sterile bandage if desired.
None Documented
None Documented
Terminal elimination half-life: 1-1.5 hours in adults with normal renal function; prolonged in renal impairment (up to 30 hours in end-stage renal disease)
Polymyxin B: 6–7 hours (impaired renal function: prolonged). Bacitracin: 1.5 hours (topical; not systemically absorbed).
Renal (90-95% unchanged), with minor biliary/fecal elimination (<5%)
Polysporin (polymyxin B/bacitracin) ophthalmic/otic/topical: Minimal systemic absorption. Renal elimination for absorbed fraction: <1% of dose.
Category C
Category C
Topical Antibiotic
Topical Antibiotic