retapamulin (Altabax)

Introduction

Tradename: Altabax

Indications

• topical treatment of impetigo due to Streptococcus or Staphylococcus

Contraindications

• not approved for MRSA
• not for use in the nose

Dosage

• apply BID for 5 days

Ointment: 1%, in 5 gram, 10 gram & 15 gram tubes

Adverse effects

• skin irritation (1.4%)
• other reported adverse effect in adults using topical retapamulin: headache (2%), diarrhea (1.4%), nausea (1.2%), nasopharyngitis (1.2%)

Drug interactions

• not been studied

• drug interaction(s) anticonvulsants with anti-bacterial agents
• drug interaction(s) of antibiotics with warfarin

Mechanism of action

• in a new class of antibiotics called pleuromutilins
• inhibits bacterial protein synthesis

Notes

Cost: (2007)

$41.02 for the 5 g tube

$69.52 for the 10 g tube

$68.60 for the 15 g tube

More general terms

• pleuromutilin