Antibacterial Suppression Treatment For use before your cardiology procedure
This page gives you information on how to use the antibacterial treatment you have been given before your cardiology procedure. As with any invasive procedure, there is always the risk of developing an infection. This treatment will help to reduce that risk. The treatment includes a nasal ointment and a body wash.
How long do I use this treatment?
Your nurse will advise you on when and how often to use the nasal ointment and body wash before your procedure.
Your nurse will tick one of the boxes below so that you know how many days to use the treatment for before the procedure.
1 day
2 days
5 days (patient in nursing home)
How to use the nasal ointment
- Please make sure you wash your hands before and after applying the ointment.
- Apply a pea-sized amount of the Mupirocin (Bactroban®) nasal ointment onto finger and apply to the inside of both nostrils 3 times a day.
- Squeeze the nostrils gently to help absorb the ointment. You may be able to taste the ointment.
How to use the antiseptic body and hair wash
- Remove any creams from the skin.
- Put a small amount of the antiseptic body wash Octenisan® onto wet skin using a clean cloth.
- Avoid areas of broken skin or wounds. Ensure area of pacemaker site is fully cleansed.
- Leave the body wash on your skin for 1 minute before rinsing off. This will allow time for the treatment to work.
- Do not apply creams or lotions on the day of procedure over the pacing area.
If you have been told to use the treatment for 5 days before the procedure, you are advised to wash your hair with the antiseptic wash twice within this period. The suggestion would be day 2 and day 4.
Contact information
If you have any questions, please contact the Arrhythmia Nurse Specialists.
Tel: 0300 422 8420
Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm