Type of medicine: pleuromutilin antibiotic
Generic and brand names: retapamulin, topical; Altabax
This medicine is applied to the skin to treat bacterial infections such as impetigo.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any medicine.
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Use this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not use more or less or use it longer than prescribed. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions for cleaning the area to be treated.
Wash your hands before and after applying this medicine (unless your hands are the area being treated). Put a small amount on the area to be treated and rub gently. A gauze bandage may be used to cover the area. Avoid getting the medicine in your eyes, nose, mouth, or on open wounds. Wash it off with water if it gets into one of these areas.
Do not cover the area where you put the medicine with a bandage unless your healthcare provider tells you to. Using tight bandages may increase the risk of side effects.
If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not apply double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, contact your healthcare provider.
Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.
If the medicine causes any new irritation or redness, contact your healthcare provider.
Use this medicine for as long as your healthcare provider prescribes, even if you feel better. If your condition does not improve in 3 to 5 days or if it gets worse, contact your provider.
Do not use other medicines on your skin unless your healthcare provider approves.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Any new skin irritation, redness, itching, burning, swelling, blistering, or oozing.
Other: Mild burning or stinging where the medicine is applied, headache, nosebleed.
No significant drug interactions have been reported. However, do not use other medicines or cosmetic products on the affected skin unless your healthcare provider approves.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
