retapamulin topical Health Article

Generic name(s):

retapamulin topical

Brand name(s):

Altabax

What is the most important information I should know about retapamulin topical?

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

If you miss a dose, use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled time to use the medication. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

There may be other drugs that can affect retapamulin topical. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Stop using this medication and get emergency medical help if you think you have used too much medicine, or if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects are more likely, and you may have none at all. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or is especially bothersome.

What is retapamulin topical?

Retapamulin is a topical (applied to the skin) antibiotic that fights bacteria on the skin.

Retapamulin topical is used to treat an infection called impetigo (im-pe-TYE-go). Impetigo usually affects the nose, lips, or other areas of the face, but it may also affect other areas of the body.

Retapamulin may be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before using retapamulin topical?

Before using retapamulin topical, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether retapamulin topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not use this medication on a child younger than 9 months old.

How should I use retapamulin topical?

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.

Apply a thin layer of retapamulin topical twice daily for at least 5 days, and longer if your doctor instructs you to. You may cover the treated skin areas with a bandage or clean gauze after applying the medicine.

Wash your hands after applying this medicine, or after touching your skin lesions for any other reason. The bacteria that causes impetigo can infect any skin area that comes into contact with your lesions.

Use retapamulin topical only for the skin condition it was prescribed for. This medication will not be effective in treating many other types of skin infections. Do not share the medication with anyone, even if they have the same symptoms. Each member of the household should be seen by a doctor if they start to show symptoms of impetigo.

Use retapamulin topical for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Store retapamulin topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.