RETAPAMULIN

RETAPAMULIN Altabax Classifications: antibiotic; pleuromutilin; Therapeutic: topical antibiotic Pregnancy Category: B

Availability

1% (10 mg/g) topical ointment

Action

Selectively inhibits bacterial protein synthesis at a site on the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome.

Therapeutic Effect

Antibacterial agent that is bacteriostatic against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes.

Uses

Topical treatment of impetigo due to susceptible stains of Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-sensitive strains only) or Streptococcus pyogenes in patients 9 mo of age or older.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to retapamulin; children less than 9 mo.

Cautious Use

Pregnancy (category B); lactation.

Route & Dosage

Impetigo Infection Adult/Child/Infant (≥9 mo): Apply in thin layer b.i.d. x 5 d

Administration

Topical

• Apply a thin layer to infected region. May cover with gauze dressing.
• Store at 15°–30° C (59°–86° F).

Adverse Effects (≥1%)

Body as a Whole: Application-site irritation, pyrexia. CNS: Headache. GI: Diarrhea, nausea. Metabolic: Creatinine phosphokinase increased. Respiratory: Nasopharyngitis. Skin: Eczema, pruritus.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Minimal systemic absorption. Metabolism: In liver.

Nursing Implications

Assessment & Drug Effects

• Monitor for excessive skin irritation. Report swelling, blistering, or oozing.

Patient & Family Education

• Report any of the following at application site: redness, itching, burning, swelling, blistering, or oozing.

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Common adverse effects in italic, life-threatening effects underlined; generic names in bold; classifications in SMALL CAPS; Canadian drug name; Prototype drug