Retapamulin for impetigo and other infections.

Abstract

Last year, we concluded that topical fusidic acid should be first-line treatment for impetigo. Since then, retapamulin ointment (Altargo - GlaxoSmithKline), a new antibacterial, has been licensed in the European Union as a short-term treatment for impetigo and infected small lacerations, abrasions or sutured wounds in people aged 9 months or above. Advertisements claim that the product "treats localised impetigo in just 5 days"; by comparison, the British National Formulary (BNF) advises a 7-day course of fusidic acid. Here we consider the place of retapamulin in impetigo and its other licensed indications.

• Journal: Drug and therapeutics bulletin (Drug Ther Bull) Vol. 46 Issue 10 Pg. 76-9 (Oct 2008) ISSN: 0012-6543 [Print] England
• PMID: 18832258 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

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

Topics

• Anti-Bacterial Agents (therapeutic use)
• Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic (therapeutic use)
• Diterpenes
• Humans
• Impetigo (drug therapy)
• Ointments
• Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
• Skin Diseases, Bacterial (drug therapy)
• Treatment Outcome
• Wound Infection (drug therapy)