retapamulin topical

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

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What is retapamulin topical?

Retapamulin topical (for the skin) is an antibiotic that 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 healthcare provider before using retapamulin topical?

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant

How should I use retapamulin topical?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Apply a thin layer of retapamulin topical to the affected area.

Take care not to wash the medicine off any skin on your hands that you are treating with this medicine.

You may cover the treated skin areas with a bandage or clean gauze after applying the medicine.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication.

Do not share this medicine 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.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

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 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?

• severe burning, itching, redness, swelling, blistering, oozing, or other skin irritation where the medicine was applied; or
• new or worsening signs of skin infection.

Common side effects may include:

• mild itching or skin irritation; or
• headache.

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?

Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other.

Children younger than 2 years old can absorb larger amounts of this medicine through the skin than adults. This could make it more likely that retapamulin topical could interact with other medications the child is using, especially antifungal or antiviral medicine, or other antibiotics.

Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about retapamulin topical.