Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: MUPIROCIN versus SEPTRA DS.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: MUPIROCIN versus SEPTRA DS.
MUPIROCIN vs SEPTRA DS
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 DS is a combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole. Trimethoprim inhibits bacterial dihydrofolate reductase, while sulfamethoxazole inhibits dihydropteroate synthase, sequentially blocking folate synthesis and ultimately DNA synthesis in susceptible bacteria.
Apply a small amount of 2% ointment or cream to affected area three times daily for 5 to 14 days.
One DS tablet (800 mg sulfamethoxazole/160 mg trimethoprim) orally every 12 hours for 10-14 days.
None Documented
None Documented
Intravenous: ~30 min (0.5 h). Topical: systemically absorbed amount negligible, local half-life not defined.
Clinical Note
moderateMupirocin + Picosulfuric acid
"The therapeutic efficacy of Picosulfuric acid can be decreased when used in combination with Mupirocin."
Trimethoprim: 8-10 hours; sulfamethoxazole: 10-12 hours (prolonged in renal impairment, e.g., creatinine clearance <30 mL/min increases half-life to >20 hours).
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 drugs accounts for 50-70% of trimethoprim and 20-30% of sulfamethoxazole; biliary excretion is minor (<10% total).
Category A/B
Category C
Antibiotic
Antibiotic