Altabax Ointment
Generic name:retapamulin topical [ RE-te-PAM-ue-lin ]
Drug class:Topical antibiotics
What is Altabax?
Altabax is an antibiotic that fights bacteria on the skin.
Altabax Ointment 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.
Altabax Ointment is for use in adults and infants aged 9 months and older.
Warnings
Do not use Altabax to treat any skin condition that has not been checked by your doctor.
Do not share Altabax 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 Altabax 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.
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Before taking this medicine
Altabax is not approved for use by anyone younger than 9 months old.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant
It may not be safe to breast-feed while using Altabax. Ask your doctor about any risk.
How should I use Altabax?
Use Altabax exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.
Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin.
Apply a thin layer of Altabax Ointment to the affected area.
Wash your hands after applying this medicine, or after touching your skin lesions for any other reason. The bacteria that causes impetigo can infect any skin area that comes into contact with your lesions.
Take care not to wash the medicine off any skin on your hands that you are treating with this medicine.
You may cover the treated skin areas with a bandage or clean gauze after applying the medicine.
Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication.
Do not use Altabax to treat any skin condition that has not been checked by your doctor.
Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have. Each member of the household should be seen by a doctor if they start to show symptoms of impetigo.
Use Altabax Ointment for 5 days in a row. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 3 to 4 days.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Im...
