When a small cut, scrape, or boil turns red, swollen, and painful, you might reach for Bactroban Ointment 5g. It’s a common prescription for bacterial skin infections, especially those caused by mupirocin. But what if your pharmacy is out of stock? Or your doctor wants you to try something cheaper? Or maybe you’ve had a reaction before and need a safe alternative? You’re not alone. Many people wonder: what else works just as well?
What Bactroban Ointment 5g Actually Does
Bactroban Ointment 5g contains mupirocin, a topical antibiotic that kills bacteria on the skin. It’s not a cure-all-it doesn’t work against fungi or viruses. But for two common bugs-Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes-it’s highly effective. That’s why doctors often prescribe it for impetigo, infected eczema, or minor wounds that won’t heal.
The 5g tube is designed for short-term use, usually 5 to 10 days. You apply a small amount three times a day. It’s absorbed locally, so it doesn’t flood your whole body like oral antibiotics. That’s a plus: fewer side effects. But it’s not cheap. In the UK, a prescription costs around £5-£8, and without one, you’ll pay £25 or more over the counter.
Why People Look for Alternatives
There are three main reasons people search for mupirocin alternatives:
- Cost: Bactroban is priced higher than many generic options.
- Availability: Some pharmacies don’t stock it regularly, especially during shortages.
- Resistance: Overuse has led to mupirocin-resistant strains in some areas, especially in hospitals.
One 2024 study from the UK Health Security Agency found that 12% of nasal S. aureus samples showed resistance to mupirocin. That doesn’t mean it won’t work for you-but it does mean your doctor might pick something else if you’ve used it before or if your infection isn’t improving.
Top Alternatives to Bactroban Ointment
Here are the most commonly prescribed and clinically proven alternatives, ranked by effectiveness and practical use.
1. Fucidin (Fusidic Acid) Cream or Ointment
Fucidin is probably the closest substitute you’ll find on a UK prescription. It’s also a topical antibiotic, and it works well against the same bacteria as mupirocin. Many GPs switch patients to Fucidin when Bactroban isn’t available.
It’s applied three times daily for 7-10 days. Side effects are rare-maybe mild stinging or redness. It’s also cheaper than Bactroban, costing around £4-£6 with a prescription. One downside: Fusidic acid has a higher risk of resistance if used too long or too often. That’s why it’s usually limited to 10 days.
2. Retapamulin (Altabax)
Altabax is a newer option, approved in the UK for impetigo. It’s not as widely prescribed yet, but it’s gaining traction because resistance is still low. Retapamulin works differently from mupirocin, so it’s often used when other antibiotics fail.
It’s applied twice a day for 5 days. The 1% ointment comes in a 2g tube-smaller than Bactroban’s 5g, but you don’t need much. It’s more expensive (£15-£20), but it’s sometimes covered under NHS prescriptions. Not available over the counter.
3. Neosporin (Bacitracin + Polymyxin B)
You’ll find Neosporin on supermarket shelves without a prescription. It’s a combination of two antibiotics: bacitracin and polymyxin B. It’s good for minor cuts and scrapes, but not strong enough for deeper infections like impetigo or large boils.
It’s cheap-around £3-£5-and widely available. But it’s not as effective as mupirocin for serious infections. Also, some people develop allergies to one of its components. If you’ve had a rash from Neosporin before, skip it.
4. Mupirocin Generic (Non-Branded Mupirocin)
Many pharmacies now stock generic mupirocin ointment. It’s chemically identical to Bactroban-same active ingredient, same strength, same instructions. The only difference? The brand name on the tube.
Generic mupirocin 2% ointment costs about £5-£7 with a prescription. That’s almost half the price of branded Bactroban. If your doctor prescribes “mupirocin,” ask if the pharmacy can supply the generic. Most can.
5. Natural or OTC Options: Tea Tree Oil, Honey Dressings
Some people turn to tea tree oil, manuka honey, or zinc oxide creams. These aren’t antibiotics, but they can help with mild inflammation and healing.
Manuka honey dressings (like Medihoney) are used in wound care clinics. Studies show they reduce bacteria and speed healing for minor infected wounds. But they’re not a replacement for antibiotics in confirmed bacterial infections. Tea tree oil has some antibacterial properties, but it’s not regulated, and undiluted use can irritate skin.
These options are best as *supportive* care-not primary treatment-for mild cases.
Comparison Table: Bactroban vs Alternatives
| Product | Active Ingredient | Effectiveness | Cost (UK Prescription) | Resistance Risk | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bactroban Ointment 5g Branded mupirocin ointment, 2% strength | Mupirocin | High | £5-£8 | Moderate | Prescription only |
| Fucidin Fusidic acid cream or ointment | Fusidic acid | High | £4-£6 | High (with overuse) | Prescription only |
| Altabax Retapamulin 1% ointment | Retapamulin | High | £15-£20 | Low | Prescription only |
| Neosporin Bacitracin + Polymyxin B | Bacitracin + Polymyxin B | Moderate | £3-£5 | Low | Over the counter |
| Generic Mupirocin Unbranded 2% ointment | Mupirocin | High | £5-£7 | Moderate | Prescription only |
When to Avoid Alternatives
Not every infection needs an antibiotic. If your skin is red, warm, and swollen-but you have no pus or open wound-it might be cellulitis. That’s not something you treat with ointments. You need oral antibiotics.
Also, don’t use any topical antibiotic for:
- Deep cuts or puncture wounds
- Animal bites
- Infected burns
- Large areas of skin (more than 5cm wide)
In these cases, see a doctor. Topical treatments won’t reach deep enough, and delaying proper care can lead to serious complications.
What Your Doctor Will Consider
If you’re asking for an alternative to Bactroban, your doctor won’t just pick the cheapest option. They’ll think about:
- How long you’ve had the infection
- Whether you’ve used mupirocin before
- If you’ve been in hospital recently
- Any allergies you have
- How big the infected area is
For example, if you’ve used Bactroban twice in the last year and it didn’t work well, they’ll likely skip mupirocin altogether-even the generic-and go straight to retapamulin or fusidic acid.
How to Use Any Topical Antibiotic Correctly
No matter which product you use, follow these steps:
- Clean the area with mild soap and water. Pat dry.
- Apply a thin layer-no more than a pea-sized amount for a 2cm area.
- Use a clean cotton swab or your clean finger (wash hands after).
- Cover with a sterile dressing only if the wound is oozing.
- Finish the full course, even if it looks better after 2 days.
Stopping early is the #1 reason antibiotics fail. Even if the redness fades, bacteria might still be hiding.
What to Do If It Doesn’t Work
If your infection hasn’t improved after 5 days, or if it’s getting worse-more pain, spreading redness, fever-you need to see a doctor. You might need:
- An oral antibiotic like flucloxacillin or clindamycin
- A swab test to identify the exact bacteria
- Drainage if there’s an abscess
Don’t keep applying more ointment. That won’t fix a resistant infection.
Final Thoughts
Bactroban Ointment 5g works well-but it’s not the only option. Generic mupirocin gives you the same results for less. Fucidin is a solid backup. Altabax is newer and less prone to resistance. Neosporin is fine for tiny scrapes, but not serious infections.
The best choice depends on your history, your infection, and your budget. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor. They’ve seen this before. They’ll help you pick the right one.
Is Bactroban the same as mupirocin?
Yes. Bactroban is the brand name for mupirocin. The active ingredient is identical. Generic versions of mupirocin ointment contain the same chemical and work the same way-they’re just cheaper.
Can I buy mupirocin without a prescription in the UK?
No. Mupirocin (including Bactroban) is a prescription-only medicine in the UK. You cannot buy it over the counter, even if you’ve used it before. This is to prevent misuse and reduce antibiotic resistance.
How long does it take for mupirocin to work?
Most people see improvement in 2-3 days. Redness and pus should start to decrease. But you must finish the full 5-10 day course. Stopping early can let bacteria survive and come back stronger.
Can I use Bactroban for acne?
Not recommended. While mupirocin kills some acne-causing bacteria, it’s not designed for long-term use on large areas of skin. For acne, doctors use benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, or oral antibiotics-not topical mupirocin.
Is Fucidin as good as Bactroban?
For most common skin infections like impetigo, yes. Fucidin (fusidic acid) has similar effectiveness to Bactroban. But it carries a higher risk of resistance if used repeatedly. Doctors often use it as a first-line alternative, especially if Bactroban is unavailable.
What happens if I use too much mupirocin?
Using more than directed won’t make it work faster. It can cause skin irritation, burning, or itching. In rare cases, overuse leads to fungal infections or antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Stick to the prescribed amount and duration.
