Altabax (Retapamulin) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 26, 2012

Altabax

Impetigo »

What is impetigo? What causes impetigo?

Impetigo (pronounced im-puh-TIE-go) is a contagious, superficial infection of the skin caused by staphylococcus (Staph) and streptococcus (Strep) bacteria. Impetigo is more common in children (especially 2- to 5-year-olds) than in adults. Impetigo is most likely to occur in warm and humid environments and is most commonly spread by close contact (such as family members).

What are the types of impetigo, and what are impetigo symptoms and signs? What does impetigo look like?

There are two kinds of impetigo:

Non-bullous impetigo: This is the common form, caused by both Staph and Strep bacteria. This form initially presents as small red papules similar to insect bites. These lesions rapidly evolve to small blisters and then to pustules that finally scab over with a characteristic honey-colored crust. This entire process takes about one week. These lesions often st...

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Altabax

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ALTABAX
(retapamulin) Ointment, 1%

For Dermatological use only

DRUG DESCRIPTION

ALTABAX contains retapamulin, a semisynthetic pleuromutilin antibiotic. The chemical name of retapamulin is acetic acid, [[(3-exo)-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl]thio]-, (3aS,4R,5S,6S,8R,9R,9aR,10R)-6-ethenyldecahydro-5-hydroxy-4,6,9,10-tetramethyl-1-oxo-3a,9propano-3aH-cyclopentacycloocten-8-yl ester. Retapamulin, a white to pale-yellow crystalline solid, has a molecular formula of C₃₀H₄₇NO₄S, and a molecular weight of 517.78. The chemical structure is:

ALTABAX (retapamulin) Structural Formula Illustration

Each gram of ointment for dermatological use contains 10 mg of retapamulin in white petrolatum.

What are the possible side effects of retapamulin topical (Altabax)?

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...

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What are the precautions when taking retapamulin (Altabax)?

Before using retapamulin, tell the doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell the doctor or pharmacist your medical history.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 10/22/2010
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.