Altabax (Retapamulin) is a bacteriostatic medicine that inhibits bacterial biosynthesis. It is used in the treatment of impetigo due to Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible isolates only) or Streptococcus pyogenes in adults and pediatric patients 9 months and older.

Altabax (Retapamulin) dose in Adults

Altabax (Retapamulin) dose in the treatment of Impetigo:

• A thin layer is applied to the affected area twice daily for 5 days
• The total treatment area should not exceed 100 cm² total body surface area.

Altabax (Retapamulin) dose in Children

Altabax (Retapamulin) dose in the treatment of Impetigo:

•  Total treatment area should not exceed 2% of total body surface area or 100 cm² total body surface area, whatever is less.

• Infants 1 to <9 months:

  • It is applied to lesions twice daily for 5 days

• Infants ≥9 months, Children, and Adolescents:

  • it is applied to the affected area (lesions) twice daily for 5 days

Pregnancy Risk Factor B

• Animal reproductive studies have not revealed any negative effects. Considering Breast-Feeding

Altabax (Retapamulin) use during breastfeeding:

• Retapamulin may or may not be excreted in breast milk.
• Retapamulin should not be administered to breastfeeding mothers, according to the manufacturer.

Altabax (Retapamulin) dose in renal disease:

• The labelling provided by the manufacturer does not mention dosage modifications.
• However, due to limited systemic absorption, dosage modification is improbable.

Altabax (Retapamulin) dose in liver disease:

• The labelling provided by the manufacturer does not mention dosage modifications.
• However, due to limited systemic absorption, dosage modification is improbable.

Less Common Side Effects of Altabax (Retapamulin) Include:

• Central nervous system:

  • Headache

• Dermatologic:

  • Eczema

• Gastrointestinal:

  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea

• Local:

  • Application site irritation
  • Application site pruritus

• Respiratory:

  • Nasopharyngitis

Contraindication to (Altabax) Retapamulin Include:

Warnings and precautions

• Skin irritation:

   

  • The manufacturer's labeling does not contain any contraindications.
  • If you experience severe skin irritation or sensitization, please stop using the ointment.

• Superinfection

  • Long-term use can lead to fungal and bacterial superinfections, such as C. difficile-associated diarrhea(CDAD) or pseudomembranous collitis.

Retapamulin: Drug Interaction

How to administer Altabax (Retapamulin)?

• It is for external use only;
• The intranasal, intravaginal, ophthalmic, oral, or mucosal application should be avoided.
• The treatment area may be covered with sterile bandage or gauze dressing if needed.
• Wash hands after application if the hands are not the area for treatment.

Mechanism of action of (Altabax) Retapamulin:

• It is primarily bacteriostatic.
• It blocks normal bacterial protein biosynthesis through binding to a specific site (protein L3) of the ribosomal subunit 50S
• It inhibits peptidyl transfer at this site and prevents active 50S subunits from being formed

Absorption:

• Topical:
• It is low
• It is increased when applied to abraded skin
• It is age-dependent
• Its absorption highest in younger patients
• Children ≥ 2 years, Adolescents, and Adults:
  • Usually, it is low
  • It is increased when applied to abraded skin

Protein binding:

• Almost 94%

Metabolism:

• Mainly Hepatic via CYP 3A4; extensively metabolized by mono-oxygenation and di-oxygenation to multiple metabolites

International Brands of Retapamulin:

• Altabax
• Altargo
• Retabact
• Retalgo

Retapamulin Brands in Pakistan:

No Brands Available in Pakistan.