PrescriptionGiant is a FREE prescription savings program that can save you up to 75% on your prescriptions with or without insurance!

Altabax (Generic Retapamulin)

Actual product appearance may differ slightly.

Click the CARD below to print or take a screenshot on your mobile phone or tablet. There is no need to download another app!

If you would like to personalize your card enter your full name in the member name field below the card at this link and click the Update button.


Why is this medication prescribed?

Impetigo, a bacterial skin infection, is treated with rasamulin in both children and adults. Retapamulin belongs to the group of drugs known as antibacterials. It functions by eradicating and preventing bacterial development on the skin.

How should this medicine be used?

Retapamulin is available as an ointment that should be applied to the skin in a thin layer. It is typically administered twice daily for five days. Retapamulin should be used every day at roughly the same time. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any instructions on your prescription label that you are unsure about following. Follow the retapamulin instructions exactly. Use it only as directed by your doctor, neither more nor less often.

The first few days of retapamulin therapy should see an improvement in the appearance of the diseased area of the skin. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not get better or worsen after taking this medication for three to four days.

Only the skin region that is infected should be treated with rasatamulin. You should avoid getting retapamulin ointment in your eyes, mouth, nose, or female genital region. Do not ingest this medicine.

Even if the infection appears to be improving, keep taking retapamulin until the prescription is finished. The infection could not entirely clear up if you stop using retapamulin too soon or skip doses, and the germs might become challenging to treat with another antibiotic.

Follow these instructions to apply the ointment:

  1. Apply a thin layer of retapamulin to the affected skin using a clean cotton swab.
  2. To protect the region and stop unintentional ointment spread to the eyes or other locations, especially in small children, cover the treated area with a bandage or clean gauze.
  3. If the hands are not being treated, wash your hands after using retapamulin.

For a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient, ask your pharmacist or doctor.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking retapamulin,

  • If you have an allergy to retapamulin or any other drug, tell your doctor and pharmacist right away. Request a list of the components from your pharmacist.
  • Inform your doctor and pharmacist about any additional prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal products you are now taking or intend to use.
  • Inform your doctor if you are expecting, intend to get pregnant, or are nursing a baby.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Keep eating normally unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

As soon as you realise you missed a dose, administer it. If the next dose is soon due, skip the missed one and carry on with your regular dosing plan. Applying more cream to make up for a missing dose is not advised.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Retapamulin might have negative effects. If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, let your doctor know right once:

  • Irritation where you put the ointment on your skin
  • Blisters
  • Burning
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Oozing from the spot where the ointment was placed
  • Itching
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache

Other negative effects of rasatamulin are possible. If you experience any strange issues while taking this medicine, contact your doctor right away.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Keep this medication tightly closed in the original container and out of the reach of children. Store it away from excessive heat and moisture at room temperature (not in the bathroom).

Unused prescriptions must be disposed of carefully to prevent pets, kids, and other people from ingesting them. You should not, however, dispose of this medication in the toilet. Instead, utilising a medicine take-back programme is the easiest approach to get rid of your medication. To find out about take-back programmes in your area, speak with your pharmacist or the garbage/recycling department in your city. If you do not have access to a take-back programme, see the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website at http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for additional information.

As many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and are simple for young children to open, it is crucial to keep all medications out of sight and out of reach of children. Always lock safety caps and promptly stash medication up and away from young children where it is out of their sight and reach to prevent poisoning. http://www.upandaway.org

In case of emergency/overdose

Call the poison control hotline at 1-800-222-1222 in the event of an overdose. Additionally, information can be found online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. Call 911 right once if the person has collapsed, experienced a seizure, is having difficulty breathing, or cannot be roused.

What other information should I know?

Keep all of your doctor’s appointments.

No one else should take your medication. It’s likely that your prescription cannot be renewed. After finishing retapamulin, contact your doctor if you continue to experience infection-related symptoms.

You should keep a written record of every medication you take, including any over-the-counter (OTC) items, prescription drugs, and dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals. This list should be brought with you whenever you see a doctor or are admitted to the hospital. You should always have this information with you in case of emergencies.

Brand names

  • Altabax®
Copyright © 2023 PrescriptionGiant.com