Retapamulin is an antibiotic that treats the impetigo skin infection. This infection causes blisters and a skin rash. Retapamulin is a skin cream that you can apply to your affected skin as directed. Make sure you wash your hands before and after using this cream.
RETAPAMULIN (RE te PAM ue lin) is an antibiotic. It is used on the skin to treat an infection known as impetigo.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): ALTABAX
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They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
This medicine is for external use only. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash your hands before and after use. Apply a thin film of medicine to the affected area. Use your medicine at regular intervals. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course of medicine prescribed by your doctor or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop using except on the advice of your doctor or healthcare professional.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 9 months for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
Do not use any other skin products on the same area of skin without talking to your healthcare professional.
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
Visit your healthcare professional for regular checks on your progress. Tell your healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
Do not get this medicine in your eyes. If you do, rinse out with plenty of cool tap water.
This medicine can make certain skin conditions worse. Only use it for conditions for which your healthcare professional has prescribed.
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.
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