retapamulin topical

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Pronunciation: RE te PAM ue lin

Brand: Altabax

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

Do not use retapamulin topical to treat any skin condition that has not been checked by your doctor. Do not share this medication with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.

Impetigo is highly contagious and spreads easily from person to person. Each member of the household should be seen by a doctor if they start to show symptoms of impetigo.

Stop using retapamulin and call your doctor at once if you have severe burning, itching, redness, swelling, blistering, oozing, or other skin irritation where the medicine was applied.

What is retapamulin topical?

Retapamulin is an antibiotic that fights bacteria on the skin.

Retapamulin topical (for the skin) 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 not listed in this medication guide.

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

You should not use retapamulin topical if you are allergic to it.

FDA pregnancy category B. Retapamulin topical is not expected to harm 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 exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions 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.

Do not use retapamulin topical to treat any skin condition that has not been checked by your doctor. This medication will not be effective in treating many other types of skin infections.

Do not share this medication with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have. Each member of the household should be seen by a doctor if they start to show symptoms of impetigo.

Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 3 to 4 days of treatment.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using 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, nose, or mouth, or inside your vagina. If this does happen, rinse with water.

Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with retapamulin topical unless your doctor tells you to.

What are the possible side effects of 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.

Stop using retapamulin and call your doctor at once if you have severe burning, itching, redness, swelling, blistering, oozing, or other skin irritation where the medicine was applied.

Less serious side effects may include:

  • mild skin irritation;
  • nausea, diarrhea;
  • headache; or
  • stuffy nose, sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect retapamulin topical?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied retapamulin topical. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about retapamulin topical.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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