Retapamulin

Retapamulin is an antibiotic medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as pleuromutilins. It is used to treat bacterial skin infections such as impetigo, a highly contagious skin condition characterized by the formation of blisters or crusts on the skin. The active ingredient, retapamulin, works by inhibiting the protein synthesis in susceptible bacteria, preventing them from growing and multiplying. This, in turn, helps to clear the infection and promote healing of the affected skin.
Retapamulin cream is available in a 1% concentration, which is applied directly to the skin lesions once daily for five consecutive days. It is important to use the medication exactly as directed by a healthcare professional and to complete the full course of treatment, even if the symptoms appear to improve before finishing the treatment. Failure to do so may result in a relapse of the infection.
The use of retapamulin is typically reserved for skin infections that are caused by specific strains of bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes, which are commonly responsible for impetigo. It is not effective against other types of bacterial infections or against viral or fungal infections.
While retapamulin is generally well-tolerated, some patients may experience side effects such as skin irritation, itching, redness, or pain at the application site. These effects are usually mild and temporary, but if they persist or worsen, a healthcare professional should be consulted. Patients with known allergies to retapamulin or similar antibiotics should not use this medication and should consult their healthcare provider for alternative treatment options.