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Xepi

ozenoxacin
Used for Skin Infection
Used for Skin Infection

Xepi (ozenoxacin) is used to treat impetigo, a common type of bacterial skin infection, in adults and children as young as 2 months old. It’s a cream that’s applied to the skin and doesn’t have many side effects. But it’s only available at specialty pharmacies, so it can be expensive.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Joseph Maceyko
reviewer
Daisy Chau, PharmD
reviewer
Cydnee Ng, PharmD
Last reviewed on July 14, 2022
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageAlternativesPricesMedicare
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What is Xepi (ozenoxacin)?

What is Xepi (ozenoxacin) used for?

  • Impetigo

How Xepi (ozenoxacin) works

Xepi (ozenoxacin) is a quinolone antibiotic. This medication kills the bacteria by stopping it from making copies of itself.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsXepi
Drug ClassQuinolone antibiotic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Xepi (ozenoxacin)?

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

See Risks and Warnings

Other Side Effects

These side effects were only reported in one adult in the clinical studies.

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Xepi (ozenoxacin)

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Pros

Very few side effects

Only has to be applied twice a day for 5 days

Can be used in children as young as 2 months old

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Cons

Brand name only so it’s expensive

Can’t be filled at your local pharmacy

Can be messy since it’s a cream

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Xepi (ozenoxacin)

pharmacist

  • Wash your hands with soap and water after using Xepi (ozenoxacin), unless the infection you're treating is on your hands.

    • Only use Xepi (ozenoxacin) on the impetigo sores on your skin. It won’t work if taken the wrong way, so don't swallow it or let it get in your eyes, mouth, nose, or genital area.

      • You can cover the treated area with a clean bandage or gauze if you want. This could help stop young children from touching the infected area after the medication has been applied.

        • Make sure to use Xepi (ozenoxacin) for the entire 5 days, even if the symptoms are getting better. Stopping it too early can lead to new bacterial and fungal infections that can be even harder to treat.

          faqs

          Frequently asked questions about Xepi (ozenoxacin)

          What is impetigo?
          Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection that's common in children and is highly contagious. It can be found anywhere on the body, but it normally occurs in areas that are not covered by clothing. Impetigo often starts as a red sore that will leak fluid leaving a yellow scab. Xepi (ozenoxacin) is an antibiotic cream that can be used to treat impetigo.
          How long does Xepi (ozenoxacin) take to work?
          You should see your symptoms start to get better within a few days of using Xepi (ozenoxacin). But if you don't notice any improvement after 3 days, it’s possible the medication might not be right for your infection. Make sure to let your healthcare provider know if you still have symptoms after 3 days of treatment. This is so they can make an appropriate change.
          Can Xepi (ozenoxacin) be used to treat all impetigo infections?
          Xepi (ozenoxacin) is used to treat impetigo, including a common bacteria that is hard to treat called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). But it shouldn’t be used to treat larger infected areas of the skin. Discuss with your healthcare provider about whether your infection can be treated with this medication.
          Can Xepi (ozenoxacin) be used in children?
          Xepi (ozenoxacin) has been studied and used successfully and safely in children as young as 2 months old. In fact, children ages 2 months to 12 years old made up the majority of people in clinical studies. There are no studies in children younger than 2 months of age though, so make sure to talk to your child’s healthcare provider about using it for younger children.
          Can you use Xepi (ozenoxacin) if you’re pregnant?
          There currently isn’t any information on the safety of Xepi (ozenoxacin) in pregnancy. There have been studies showing it doesn’t cause birth defects in animals, but there are no studies for effects in humans. Let your healthcare provider know if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
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          What are the risks and warnings for Xepi (ozenoxacin)?

          Xepi (ozenoxacin) 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

          Medication-resistant bacteria

          • Risk factors: Using Xepi (ozenoxacin) for a long period of time

            Using Xepi (ozenoxacin) for a long period of time might result in new bacterial and fungal infections that are resistant to medications. When bacteria becomes resistant, it becomes harder to treat. And if you try to use the same antibiotic again, it won’t work as well, so you’ll need to use a different one. Be sure to only use Xepi (ozenoxacin) as prescribed by your provider.

            dosage

            Xepi (ozenoxacin) dosage forms

            Typical dosing for Xepi (ozenoxacin)

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

            alternatives

            What are alternatives to Xepi (ozenoxacin)?

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

            • Impetigo in people ages 9 months and older

            $369.99 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

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