What is Altabax (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 is the most important information I should know about Altabax (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 should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Altabax (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.
Altabax Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of Altabax (Retapamulin Topical)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if retapamulin causes severe irritation of your skin. Wipe off the medication and do not apply more until talking with your doctor.
Less serious side effects are more likely, such as:
- mild pain, redness, itching, or irritation where the medicine is applied
- headache; or
- diarrhea
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Altabax Interactions
What other drugs affect Altabax (Retapamulin Topical)?
Before using retapamulin, tell your doctor if you are also taking an antifungal antibiotic called ketoconazole (Nizoral). You may not be able to use retapamulin topical, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.
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.
What should I avoid while taking Altabax (Retapamulin Topical)?
Impetigo is highly contagious and spreads easily from person to person. Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, washcloths, or razors with other people if you are infected with impetigo. Use a clean towel and washcloth each time you bathe to keep from reinfecting your own skin.
Avoid getting this medication in your eyes or mouth, or inside your nose. Do not place retapamulin into your vagina or rectum. If the medicine does get into any of these areas, wash with water.
Do not use other medicated skin products unless your doctor has told you to.
Altabax Dosage
How should I take Altabax (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.
What happens if I overdose on Altabax (Retapamulin Topical)?
An overdose of retapamulin topical applied to the skin is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.
What happens if I miss a dose of Altabax (Retapamulin Topical)?
Use the medication as soon as you remember the missed dose. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Edited from everydayhealth.com