Drug Notes

Retapamulin (On the skin)

Retapamulin (re-te-PAM-ue-lin)

Treats a skin infection called impetigo. This medicine is an antibiotic.

Brand Name(s):

Altabax

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Ointment

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Use this medicine only on your skin. Rinse it off right away if it gets on a cut or scrape. Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Wash your hands before using this medicine. Wash your hands again after applying the medicine, if your hands are not the area being treated.
• Apply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently.
• Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.
• You may cover the treated area with a sterile bandage or gauze dressing, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

If a dose is missed:

• Apply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist or doctor how to dispose of the medicine container and any leftover or expired medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not put cosmetics or skin care products on the treated skin.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have any skin problem.
• Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve within 3 to 4 days, or if your symptoms get worse.
• Stop using this medicine and tell your doctor if you have severe irritation, redness, itching, burning, swelling, blistering, or oozing at the application site after using this medicine.
• Do not use this medicine to treat a skin problem your doctor has not examined.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Severe or worse redness, burning, itching, swelling, blistering, oozing, or pain at the application site

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017