Topical antibiotic approved for treatment of impetigo

The FDA approved retapamulin ointment (Altabax) for the topical treatment of impetigo. Retapamulin is a new molecular entity, which is indicated for use in patients ages 9 months and older [more].

The safety database contained approximately 2,000 Altabax-treated adults and children aged 9 months and older, and about 1,000 similar patients who received other antibiotics or placebo. The most common reported adverse effect was irritation at the application site.

The FDA encourages physicians to only use this prescription product to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by the bacterial form of impetigo. This will reduce the chance of drug-resistant bacteria to Altabax and other antibacterial medications.