MedicinePOM

Retapamulin

A topical antibiotic ointment used to treat impetigo, a bacterial skin infection.

Clinical information

Common uses

impetigo (bacterial skin infection)
adults and children from 9 months old

Common side effects

irritation where applied
itching where applied
headache
diarrhoea
feeling sick

Cautions

stop use if severe skin irritation develops
skin use only — not for mouth, nose, eyes, or vagina
unneeded antibiotic use encourages resistant bacteria

Interactions

ketoconazole (antifungal) — raises levels but no dose change needed

Pregnancy: only if benefits outweigh risks

Reference information, not medical advice — always follow your doctor or pharmacist. Source: DailyMed, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov, retapamulin (Altabax) label, setid 9fae06b5-bbd5-400a-a7a6-3a4e238361f8 (accessed 2026-08-16)

Approved brands & formulations1

Brand name	Dosage form	Strength	Importer	Category
Altargro	Topical Preparations ( Ointment )	0.01	authorized medicine importers	POM