Nasal preparations for infection and epistaxis (Formulary)

TAM (Treatments and Medicines) NHS Highland
NHS Highland

CHLORHEXIDINE WITH NEOMYCIN

Therapy notes

MHRA advice: Chlorhexidine: reminder of potential for hypersensitivity (December 2014) (www.gov.uk).

  • Naseptin® cream contains arachis (peanut) oil; avoid in patients with peanut allergy.

Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Cream (chlorhexidine 0·1%, neomycin 0·5%) (Naseptin®)

Dosage:

For eradication of nasal carriage of staphylococci, apply to nostrils 4 times daily for 10 days

For preventing nasal carriage of staphylococci, apply to nostrils twice daily.

Naseptin® is also used for the treatment of epistaxis and following minor procedures off-label. Refer to guidance on Nose bleed – acute and chronic.

MUPIROCIN

Therapy notes

Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Nasal ointment 2%

Dosage:

For eradication of nasal carriage of MRSA only, apply 3 times daily to the inner surface of each nostril. Continue each course of treatment for 5 days, with sampling 2 days or more after completing the course. The course may be repeated once, after which further treatment should be discussed with the Infection Control Team.

Editorial Information

Document Id: F157