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Altabax Ointment

Name of the generic: retapamulin topical Topical RE-te’-PAM-ue’-lin [RE-te-PAM-uelin]
Name of the brand: Altabax
Class of drugs: topical antibiotics

What is Altabax?

Altabax can be described as an antibiotic that combats skin-borne bacteria.Altabax Ointment is used to treat an infection referred to as impetigo (im-pe-TYE-go). Impetigo is most commonly a problem with the lips, nose, or other parts of the face; however, it could be affecting other parts of the body.Altabax Ointment can be used for infants and adults aged 9 months and over.

Warnings

Use Altabax only for the treatment of any skin problem that hasn't been examined by your physician.Don't share Altabax with someone else, even if they share similar symptoms to yours. Impetigo can be extremely contagious and can easily be passed from one person to another. Everyone in the household must be evaluated by a physician if they begin to exhibit signs of impetigo. Stop taking Altabax and contact your doctor immediately when you experience extreme burning, itching, swelling, redness, blisters, and oozing symptoms of skin irritation after the medication was applied.Follow all the instructions on the label of your medication and in the package. Be sure to inform your healthcare professionals about your medical issues, allergies, and all medications you use.

Before you take this drug

Altabax is not recommended for use by anyone who is less than 9 months of age.Consult your physician if you are pregnant.It is not always appropriate to breastfeed while using Altabax. Consult your physician about any risks.

Similar or related drugs

Cefuroxime, Mupirocin topical, Cefadroxil, Bactroban, Ceftin, and Duricef

What should I do with Altabax?

Utilize Altabax precisely as directed by your physician. Follow the directions on the label of your prescription and also read the medication guide or instructions sheets.Do not consume by mouth. Topical medicines are meant for use on only the skin.Apply a thin coat of Altabax Ointment to the area affected.Cleanse your hands after applying the medicine or making contact with your skin lesions for reasons other than the above. The impetigo-causing bacteria may infect any skin part that is in contact with the lesions.Make sure you do not cleanse the medicine off any skin that is on your hands that you are treating with this medication.

It is possible to cover the areas of the skin with a gauze bandage or a clean one after applying the treatment.Make sure to take this medication for the prescribed duration, even if symptoms improve quickly. Not taking your doses regularly can increase the chance of developing an illness that is resistant to treatment.Use Altabax not for treating any skin issue that has not been evaluated by your physician.Do not share this medication with someone else, even if they share the same symptoms as you do. Everyone in the household should see an experienced doctor when they begin showing signs of impetigo.Apply Altabax Ointment for five consecutive days. Consult your physician if your symptoms don't improve after 3–4 days.Place it in a cool, dry place free of heat and moisture.

Details on dosage

Usual Adult Dose for Impetigo:

Apply a thin coating to the area affected (up to 100 cm2 in total) daily for five days.
Comments:
Consider alternative treatment in the event of no improvement or worsening of the affected area within two to three days.
Use: Topical treatment of impetigo due to methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes

Usual Paediatric Dose for Impetigo:

Apply a thin coating to the area affected (up to 2 percent of your total body's surface) daily for five days.
Comments:
For children aged 9 months or more.
Use in conjunction with powerful CYP450 3A4 inhibitors isn't advised for patients who are younger than 24 months old because of the greater levels of exposure to medication in this group.
You may consider alternative therapies in the event of no improvement or worsening of the affected area within two to three days.
Use: Topical treatment of impetigo due to methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes

Do I be concerned if I miss a dose?

Take the medication as quickly as you can; however, avoid the missed dose if you think it is getting close to the time of the next dose. Don't apply two doses at once.

What will happen if I take excessively?

A dose of Altabax is not likely to pose a risk. You should seek medical attention as soon as possible or dial the poison help service at 1-800-222-1222, should you suspect that you have swallowed a dose of the medication by accident.

What should be avoided?

Impetigo is extremely contagious and can easily be spread from one person to the next. Beware of sharing personal items like towels, razors, washcloths, or washcloths with people who are suffering from impetigo. Utilise a clean towel as well as a washcloth every time you shower to prevent getting infected again.Beware of getting this medication into your nose, eyes, or mouth, or even inside your vagina. If this happens, then rinse your eyes with water.Don't use any other medication for the areas you treat with Altabax unless the physician has advised you to.

Side effects of Altabax

Take immediate medical attention. If you are experiencing symptoms of an allergic reaction to Altabax, Hives, breathing difficulties, and swelling of your lips, face, and tongue

Cleanse the ointment from your skin. Call your doctor immediately in the event that you are suffering from:

  • Intense burning, itching, swelling, redness, bleeding, or another skin irritation in the area where the medication was applied.
  • New or worsening symptoms are signs of a skin infection.

Common Altabax adverse effects could include:

  • Itching that is mild or mild skin irritation

This isn't a complete list of possible side effects, and other effects may also be present. Contact your doctor to seek medical advice on adverse effects. If you have any concerns, report them to the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interaction with other drugs

Skin care products are unlikely to be affected by other medicines that you are taking. However, many drugs are incompatible with each other.Children younger than 2 may absorb greater amounts of this medication through their skin than do adults. This can make it more probable that topical retapamulin might interact with other drugs the child is taking, particularly antifungal or antiviral medicines or various antibacterial drugs.Be sure to inform your medical professionals about any medications you take, including medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbs.