Retapamulin

Retapamulin ointment is prescribed to treat a certain type of bacterial skin infection called impetigo. This antibiotic helps the body fight the infection by preventing the bacteria from growing and multiplying. Prior to using this ointment, tell your healthcare provider if you have any allergies, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Possible side effects can include diarrhea, headaches, and skin irritation.

What Is Retapamulin?

Retapamulin (Altabax^®) is a prescription skin ointment approved to treat impetigo, a common skin infection, in adults and children nine months of age and older.

(Click What Is Retapamulin Used For? for more information on this topic, including possible off-label uses.)

Are There Side Effects?

Just like any medicine, retapamulin may cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are treated easily by you or your healthcare provider. Serious reactions are less common.

The most common side effects seen with retapamulin include:

Headaches
Skin irritation
Diarrhea
Skin itching.

(Click Side Effects of Retapamulin to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)

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