Staphylococcal carriage

Eradication or prevention of nasal carriage of staphylococci
Neomycin + Chlorhexidine
Naseptin nasal cream

Apply to nostrils every 6 hours for 10 days

For resistant cases

Mupirocin
Mupirocin 2% nasal ointment

Apply every 8-12 hours for 5 days

Prescribing Notes:

  • Elimination of organisms such as staphylococci from the nasal vestibule can be achieved by the use of Naseptin cream.
  • Mupirocin 2% nasal ointment (Bactroban Nasal) is also available for eradication of staphylococci from the nose but should be reserved for resistant cases only and used for no longer than 10 days to avoid resistance. In hospital, it should be reserved for eradication of methicillin–resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
  • Refer to local MRSA guidance for additional information.

History Notes

15/12/2021

East Region Formulary content agreed.

Eradication or prevention of nasal carriage of staphylococci
Neomycin + Chlorhexidine
Naseptin nasal cream

See BNFc for dose and duration.

For resistant cases.

Mupirocin
Mupirocin 2% nasal ointment

See BNFc for dose and duration.

Prescribing Notes:

  • Elimination of organisms such as staphylococci from the nasal vestibule can be achieved by the use of Naseptin cream.
  • Mupirocin 2% nasal ointment (Bactroban Nasal) is also available for eradication of staphylococci from the nose but should be reserved for resistant cases only and used for no longer than 10 days to avoid resistance. In hospital, it should be reserved for eradication of methicillin–resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
  • Refer to local MRSA guidance for additional information.

History Notes

15/01/2024

East Region Formulary content agreed.