Dosing and uses of Altabax (retapamulin)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
ointment
- 1% (5, 10, 15g tubes)
Impetigo
Indicated for impetigo caused by MSSA or Streptococcus pyogenes
Apply thin layer to affected area (up to 100 cm²) BID x5 days
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
ointment
- 1% (5, 10, 15g tubes)
Impetigo
Indicated for impetigo caused by MSSA or Streptococcus pyogenes
<9 months: Safety and efficacy not established
≥9 months: Apply thin layer to affected area (up to 2% BSA) BID x5 days
Altabax (retapamulin) adverse (side) effects
1-10%
Application site irritation (2%)
Warnings
Contraindications
None
Cautions
Not for oral, intranasal, ophthalmic or intravaginal use; efficacy and safety for mucosal surfaces not established
Discontinue if sensitization or severe local irritation develops
Epistaxis reported with use on nasal mucosa
Not evaluated on mucosal surfaces
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: B
Lactation: use caution
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Altabax (retapamulin)
Mechanism of action
Pleuromutilin antibacterial; binds to 50S ribosomal subunit and inhibits bacterial protein synthesis, bateriostatic at MIC; bactericidal at 1000x MIC
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Low
Protein Bound: 94%
Metabolism: in vitro by liver CYP3A4
