Retapamulin: a newer topical antibiotic

J Postgrad Med. 2013 Apr-Jun;59(2):127-30. doi: 10.4103/0022-3859.113842.

Abstract

Impetigo is a common childhood skin infection. There are reports of increasing drug resistance to the currently used topical antibiotics including fusidic acid and mupirocin. Retapamulin is a newer topical agent of pleuromutilin class approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of impetigo in children and has been recently made available in the Indian market. It has been demonstrated to have low potential for the development of antibacterial resistance and a high degree of potency against poly drug resistant Gram-positive bacteria found in skin infections including Staphylococcus aureus strains. The drug is safe owing to low systemic absorption and has only minimal side-effect of local irritation at the site of application.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Cutaneous
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic / administration & dosage
  • Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic / pharmacology*
  • Diterpenes
  • Humans
  • Impetigo / drug therapy*
  • Ointments / administration & dosage
  • Staphylococcal Skin Infections / drug therapy*
  • Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic
  • Diterpenes
  • Ointments
  • retapamulin