Mupirocin is usually well tolerated when applied to the skin. Most of its adverse effects are mild, local and transient. The most common adverse effects of mupirocin are burning sensation, stinging, pain, itching, swelling, redness and rash.
Infections and infestations: Cellulitis (inflammation of connective tissue), pharyngitis (sore throat), secondary wound infection, upper respiratory tract infection.
Immune system disorders: Angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat which may cause difficulty in breathing and swallowing), application site hypersensitivity reactions, systemic allergic reactions.
Nervous system disorders: Dizziness, headache.
Gastrointestinal disorders: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, ulcerative stomatitis (sores in the mouth or tongue).
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Contact dermatitis (skin inflammation caused by materials or substances in contact with the skin), cutaneous sensitization reactions (allergic skin reactions to mupirocin or the ointment base), exfoliative dermatitis (redness and peeling of the skin over large areas of the body), furunculosis, hives (raised, itchy rashes), skin dryness.
General disorders and administration site conditions: Fever, increased exudates, injury, pain or bleeding secondary to eczema, tenderness.