Anthropometric Measurements as Predictors of Low Birth Weight Among Tanzanian Neonates: A Hospital-Based Study
November 7, 2025
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Brand Name :
retapamulin
Synonyms :
retapamulin
Class :
Antibacterials, Pleuromutilin
Brand Name :
retapamulin
Synonyms :
retapamulin
Class :
Antibacterials, Pleuromutilin
Dosage Forms & Strengths
Ointment
1% (5, 10, 15g tubes)
Apply a thin coating twice daily for five days to the affected area, up to a total area of 100 cm2
Note:
• Used to treat impetigo caused over by Streptococcus pyogenes or methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus
• After two to three days of treatment, if the affected area doesn't get better or gets worse, consider trying an alternative form of therapy
Dosage Forms & Strengths
Ointment
1% (5, 10, 15g tubes)
Age: > 9 months
Apply a thin coating twice daily for five days to the affected area, up to 2% BSA
Note:
• Used to treat impetigo caused over by Streptococcus pyogenes or methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus
• After two to three days of treatment, if the affected area doesn't get better or gets worse, consider trying an alternative form of therapy
Refer to adult dosing.
it may diminish the excretion rate when combined with vitamins, resulting in an enhanced serum level
it may diminish the excretion rate when combined with vitamins, resulting in an enhanced serum level
it may diminish the excretion rate when combined with vitamins, resulting in an enhanced serum level
it may diminish the excretion rate when combined with vitamins, resulting in an enhanced serum level
it may diminish the excretion rate when combined with vitamins, resulting in an enhanced serum level
it may diminish the excretion rate when combined with antibiotics, resulting in an enhanced serum level
it may diminish the excretion rate when combined with antibiotics, resulting in an enhanced serum level
it may diminish the excretion rate when combined with antibiotics, resulting in an enhanced serum level
it may diminish the excretion rate when combined with antibiotics, resulting in an enhanced serum level
it may diminish the excretion rate when combined with antibiotics, resulting in an enhanced serum level
Actions and Spectrum:
retapamulin is active against a wide range of gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and Streptococcus pyogenes, which are the common causes of skin infections such as impetigo, folliculitis, and furuncles. It also shows activity against other gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Streptococcus anginosus.
retapamulin is a narrow-spectrum antibiotic, which means that it is only active against a specific group of bacteria. It does not have activity against gram-negative bacteria or fungi.
Frequency not defined
Eye irritation
Allergic reactions
Itching at the application site
Black Box Warning
The Black Box Warning states that if retapamulin is used for prolonged periods of time, it may lead to the development of resistant bacteria. This can make it harder to treat future infections and may lead to more serious and potentially life-threatening infections.
Contraindication/Caution:
retapamulin is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to retapamulin or any of the excipients of the ointment.
Patients should use caution when using retapamulin ointment if they have a history of hypersensitivity reactions to other topical antibiotics, such as mupirocin, neomycin, or polymyxin B.
retapamulin should also be used with caution in patients with broken or damaged skin, as it may increase the risk of skin irritation or infection. It should be avoided in areas that have eczema, psoriasis, or other skin conditions.
retapamulin is for external use only and should not be ingested or injected. In case of accidental ingestion, seek medical attention immediately.
Pregnancy warnings:   
AU TGA pregnancy category: B3
US FDA pregnancy category: B
Lactation:
Excreted into human milk is unknown
Pregnancy Categories:     
Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 
Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.
Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.  
Category D: adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.  
Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.  
Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category
Pharmacology:
retapamulin is a topical antibiotic that belongs to the class of pleuromutilins. It works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis and is effective against a wide range of gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and Streptococcus pyogenes, which are commonly associated with impetigo.
Pharmacodynamics:
retapamulin has a unique mode of action compared to other antibiotics, as it binds to a specific site on the bacterial ribosome, known as the A site, and interferes with the binding of aminoacyl-tRNA (transfer RNA) to the ribosome. This prevents the formation of peptide bonds between amino acids and the subsequent formation of proteins, leading to bacterial cell death.
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption
After topical application to the skin, retapamulin is rapidly absorbed, with peak plasma concentrations occurring within 1-2 hours. The absolute bioavailability of retapamulin is low, with only about 0.2% of the applied dose being absorbed into the systemic circulation
Distribution
retapamulin is highly protein bound and has a large volume of distribution. It is distributed mainly to the skin and adipose tissue
Metabolism
retapamulin is metabolized primarily by the liver, with most of the drug being eliminated in the feces as unchanged drug
Elimination and excretion
retapamulin is primarily eliminated through the feces, with less than 1% of the drug being excreted in the urine. The elimination half-life of retapamulin is about 1.5-2 hours.
Administration:
Topical Administration
The recommended dosage for retapamulin is as follows:
Patient information leaflet
Generic Name: retapamulin
Why do we use retapamulin?
retapamulin is an effective treatment option for impetigo as it is able to target and kill specific types of bacteria that are commonly responsible for the condition, such as MSSA and Streptococcus pyogenes. Additionally, retapamulin has a lower risk of antibiotic resistance compared to other topical antibiotics, which makes it a useful option for treating impetigo caused by these specific types of bacteria.
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