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Altabax

retapamulin
Used for Skin Infection
Used for Skin Infection

Altabax, the brand name for retapamulin, is a topical antibiotic ointment that's used to treat impetigo, a type of skin infection. The medication is approved for children and children 9 months and older. It's applied directly to the area of the skin infection twice a day for 5 days. Altabax (retapamulin) isn't available as a lower-cost generic and isn't found over the counter. Possible side effects include skin irritation and itching.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on August 1, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostAlternativesLatest newsReferencesPricesMedicare
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What is Altabax (retapamulin)?

What is Altabax (retapamulin) used for?

  • Impetigo in people ages 9 months and older

How Altabax (retapamulin) works

Altabax (retapamulin) is a topical antibacterial medication. It stops bacteria from making proteins they need for growth and survival.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsAltabax
Drug ClassAntibiotic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$441.24(save 17.13%)
GoodRx discount
$365.66
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What are the side effects of Altabax (retapamulin)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Side effects aren't common. Please see Other Side Effects.

Other Side Effects

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Severe skin irritation: skin irritation, pain, redness, itching, swelling, blistering, or oozing on the skin that gets worse

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Burning, itching, redness, skin rash, swelling, or soreness at site

skin rash, encrusted, scaly, and oozing

Rare

Blistering, burning, crusting, dryness, flaking of skin

flushing, redness of skin

itching, scaling, severe redness, soreness, swelling of skin

pain at site of application

unusually warm skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

Diarrhea

fever

headache

muscle aches

nausea

sore throat

stuffy or runny nose

unusual tiredness or weakness

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Altabax (retapamulin)

thumbs-up

Pros

Treatment only lasts for 5 days

Can use to treat impetigo in children as young as 9 months old

Very few side effects

thumbs-down

Cons

Not for serious skin infections, including impetigo that affects large areas of the body

Not approved for hard-to-treat skin infections (e.g., skin infected with MRSA)

Brand-name only; not available as a lower-cost generic

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Altabax (retapamulin)

pharmacist

  • Apply a thin layer of Altabax (retapamulin) directly on the skin that's affected by impetigo. Don't put the medication into your eyes, mouth, or vagina. Otherwise, it could lead to side effects.

    • After you apply Altabax (retapamulin) onto the skin, you can cover it with a bandage or some gauze if you want. This can be helpful to protect the area and to avoid getting the ointment onto other things.

      • Use Altabax (retapamulin) exactly as prescribed. Continue using the ointment for the recommended amount of time (usually 5 days), even if your symptoms start to get better sooner. Stopping this medication too early can lead to resistant bacteria, which will be much harder to fight against. Contact your prescriber if your symptoms don't improve after 3 to 4 days.

        • Call your prescriber right away if your skin infection doesn't seem to be getting better or if it gets worse. You might need to stop this medication and get treated with a different medication for impetigo.

          • Wash your hands well after you apply Altabax (retapamulin) to your skin, unless you're treating the skin on your hands. This helps prevent you from accidentally getting the medication in your eyes. Rinse your eyes well with water for at least 15 minutes if the ointment gets in your eyes.

            • Make sure to tell your prescriber if you're pregnant or breastfeeding before you start treatment with Altabax (retapamulin). Discuss the risks and benefits of using this medication with your prescriber.

              • Store Altabax (retapamulin) at room temperature in a dry place. Don't freeze the medication since this can damage it.

                faqs

                Frequently asked questions about Altabax (retapamulin)

                Does Altabax (retapamulin) expire?
                Yes, Altabax (retapamulin) can expire. There should be an expiration date that's written on the medication box or tube of ointment. Don't use Altabax (retapamulin) past the written expiration date because it might not work well to treat your infection.
                Can Altabax (retapamulin) be used for acne?
                Altabax (retapamulin) isn't approved to treat acne. In addition, the medication isn't listed as a recommended option in acne treatment guidelines. Although some studies suggest that Altabax (retapamulin) might fight against the typical bacteria that cause acne, there needs to be more research to show that it works well for improving acne (this would be an off-label use of the medication). Talk to your primary care provider or a dermatologist about available treatment options if you have acne.
                Can you use Altabax (retapamulin) for ringworm?
                No, Altabax (retapamulin) doesn't treat ringworm. Ringworm is a fungal infection, so it needs to be treated with topical antifungals like clotrimazole. Antibiotics like Altabax (retapamulin) won't work because they only treat bacterial infections.
                Does Altabax (retapamulin) work against MRSA?
                Some research suggests that Altabax (retapamulin) might not work well against MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), a "superbug" that's typically difficult to treat with antibiotics. In fact, Altabax (retapamulin) isn't FDA approved to treat infections caused by MRSA. Your prescriber will choose a different antibiotic if you have a MRSA skin infection.
                When should I start to see improvement after I start Altabax (retapamulin)?
                You should see improvement within 4 days after you start treatment with Altabax (retapamulin). Talk to your prescriber if your symptoms haven't gotten better after 4 days of treatment. This could mean that your skin infection is caused by a bacteria that Altabax (retapamulin) doesn't work to fight against. There might be a different medication that's more appropriate for your skin infection.
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                What are the risks and warnings for Altabax (retapamulin)?

                Altabax (retapamulin) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                risk-warning

                Skin irritation

                Skin irritation is a possible side effect of Altabax (retapamulin), but it's rare and it's fairly mild. Wipe off the medication right away if you have severe skin irritation, such as pain, redness, itching, swelling, blistering, or oozing on the skin. Let your prescriber know because you might need a different antibiotic to treat your skin infection.

                risk-warning

                Development of drug-resistant bacteria

                Take Altabax (retapamulin) exactly as prescribed. Treating your skin infection with Altabax (retapamulin) for any shorter or longer periods of time can raise your risk for developing infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria. This is also possible if you take Altabax (retapamulin) for other illnesses that it's not appropriate for. Infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria can be severe, life-threatening, and more difficult to treat.

                dosage

                Altabax (retapamulin) dosage forms

                The average cost for 1 tube of 15g of 1% of Altabax (retapamulin) is $365.66 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 17.13% off the average retail price of $441.24.
                tube of ointment
                Tube of ointment
                DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                15g of 1%1 tube$365.66$365.66
                30g of 1%1 tube$694.02$694.02

                Typical dosing for Altabax (retapamulin)

                Apply a thin layer of the ointment to the affected area(s) twice daily for 5 days.

                Your prescriber will tell you the maximum amount of Altabax (retapamulin) to use over your body. It'll depend on your body surface area (or body size).

                interactions

                Interactions between Altabax (retapamulin) and other drugs

                Altabax (retapamulin) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Altabax (retapamulin). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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                How much does Altabax (retapamulin) cost?

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                Altabax (brand)
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                $365.66

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                alternatives

                What are alternatives to Altabax (retapamulin)?

                There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Altabax (retapamulin). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                Altabax (retapamulin)
                Used for:

                • Impetigo in people ages 9 months and older

                $365.66 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                Xepi (ozenoxacin)
                Used for:

                • Impetigo

                View Prices
                Mupirocin
                Used for:

                • Impetigo - ointment

                • Bacterial skin infection that happens after skin gets damaged (e.g., from a cut or other wound) - cream

                $9.99 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

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                References

                Best studies we found

                Abrha, S., et al. (2020). Intolerable burden of impetigo in endemic settings: A review of the current state of play and future directions for alternative treatments. Antibiotics.

                Almirall, LLC. (2023). Altabax- retapamulin ointment [package insert]. DailyMed.

                American Optometric Association. (n.d.). Protecting your eyes at work.

                View All References (4)

                Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) basics.

                Flint, B., et al. (2023). Body surface area. StatPearls.

                Goldstein, E. J., et al. (2006). Comparative in vitro activities of retapamulin (SB-275833) against 141 clinical isolates of Propionibacterium spp., including 117 P. acnes isolates. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy.

                Reynolds, R. V., et al. (2024). Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

                GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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