Altabax
Altabax (retapamulin ointment, 1%) is a topical pleuromutilin antibacterial indicated for the treatment of impetigo. It works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, stopping the growth of the bacteria causing the infection.
Dosage by Body Weight
Apply a thin layer of Altabax ointment to the affected area twice daily for 5 days. The treated area may be covered with a sterile bandage or gauze dressing if desired. Safe for adults and pediatric patients aged 9 months and older.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- N/A
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients younger than 9 months of age (who typically fall into this weight range) have not been established.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- Thin layer to affected area
- Frequency
- Twice daily for 5 days
- Tracking Notes
- Ensure patient is at least 9 months of age. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- Thin layer to affected area
- Frequency
- Twice daily for 5 days
- Tracking Notes
- Apply only to the affected skin area. Wash hands after application unless treating hands.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- Thin layer to affected area
- Frequency
- Twice daily for 5 days
- Tracking Notes
- May cover the treated area with a sterile bandage if needed to prevent scratching or rubbing.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- Thin layer to affected area
- Frequency
- Twice daily for 5 days
- Tracking Notes
- Complete the full 5-day course of therapy even if symptoms improve early.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not recommended | N/A | Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients younger than 9 months of age (who typically fall into this weight range) have not been established. |
| 5-7 kg | Thin layer to affected area | Twice daily for 5 days | Ensure patient is at least 9 months of age. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. |
| 8-10 kg | Thin layer to affected area | Twice daily for 5 days | Apply only to the affected skin area. Wash hands after application unless treating hands. |
| 11-15 kg | Thin layer to affected area | Twice daily for 5 days | May cover the treated area with a sterile bandage if needed to prevent scratching or rubbing. |
| 16-20 kg | Thin layer to affected area | Twice daily for 5 days | Complete the full 5-day course of therapy even if symptoms improve early. |
Formulation
Ointment
Purpose
Topical treatment of impetigo due to Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible isolates only) or Streptococcus pyogenes.
Generic Name
RetapamulinScheduled Drug
No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.