Staphylococcal carriage
The regional formulary will not cover all eventualities for infections medicines choices. As with any condition; patient specific factors and sensitivities need to be considered. Please consider this regional formulary advice alongside any relevant local Board guidelines.
Eradication or prevention of nasal carriage of staphylococci
Neomycin + Chlorhexidine
Neomycin 0.5% / Chlorhexidine hydrochloride 0.1% nasal cream
For prophylaxis; apply to nostrils twice daily.
For eradication of infection; apply to nostrils every 6 hours for 10 days.
For resistant cases. Mupirocin is only licensed for eradication of staphylococci, not prevention.
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 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
30/07/2026
Regional formulary chapter launched.