What is retapamulin topical?
Retapamulin is an antibiotic that fights bacteria on the skin.
Retapamulin topical (for the skin) 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 is the most important information I should know about retapamulin topical?
Do not use retapamulin topical to treat any skin condition that has not been checked by your doctor. Do not share this medication with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.
Impetigo is highly contagious and spreads easily from person to person. Each member of the household should be seen by a doctor if they start to show symptoms of impetigo.
Stop using retapamulin and call your doctor at once if you have severe burning, itching, redness, swelling, blistering, oozing, or other skin irritation where the medicine was applied.
What should I discuss with my health care provider before using retapamulin topical?
You should not use retapamulin topical if you are allergic to it.
FDA pregnancy category B. Retapamulin topical is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether retapamulin topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not use this medication on a child younger than 9 months old.