Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: MUPIROCIN versus SEPTRA.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: MUPIROCIN versus SEPTRA.
MUPIROCIN vs SEPTRA
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Mupirocin reversibly binds to bacterial isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase, inhibiting protein synthesis.
SEPTRA (trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole) is a combination of two antifolate agents: sulfamethoxazole inhibits dihydropteroate synthase, blocking the conversion of PABA to dihydrofolic acid; trimethoprim inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, preventing the reduction of dihydrofolic acid to tetrahydrofolic acid. This sequential blockade disrupts bacterial folate synthesis and nucleic acid production.
Apply a small amount of 2% ointment or cream to affected area three times daily for 5 to 14 days.
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) 160 mg/800 mg (double strength) orally every 12 hours; for severe infections, intravenous dosing: 8-10 mg/kg/day (TMP component) divided every 6, 8, or 12 hours.
None Documented
None Documented
Clinical Note
moderateMupirocin + Picosulfuric acid
"The therapeutic efficacy of Picosulfuric acid can be decreased when used in combination with Mupirocin."
Intravenous: ~30 min (0.5 h). Topical: systemically absorbed amount negligible, local half-life not defined.
Sulfamethoxazole: 9-12 hours (normal renal function); Trimethoprim: 8-11 hours (normal renal function). In severe renal impairment (CrCl <15 mL/min), half-life prolongs significantly (up to 24-30 hours for sulfamethoxazole, 20-30 hours for trimethoprim).
Renal: <1% unchanged (topical); hepatic metabolism to monic acid, eliminated renally and fecally. After IV administration, 60-70% renal, 20-30% fecal/biliary.
Renal excretion of unchanged sulfamethoxazole (~20%) and trimethoprim (~50-60%) with additional hepatic metabolism (acetylation, glucuronidation) of sulfamethoxazole; total renal elimination accounts for ~80-90% of the dose (sulfamethoxazole 30% parent, 40% metabolites; trimethoprim 60-80% parent, remainder as metabolites). Biliary/fecal <5%.
Category A/B
Category C
Antibiotic
Antibiotic