Retapamulin
Indications
These indications are based on manufacturer information for both originator and generic products. For product specific registered indications, please refer to product specific manufacturer information
Registered South African indications:
- Uncomplicated superficial bacterial skin and skin structure infections caused by Streptococcus pyogenes and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus auereus: Primary impetigo, secondarily infected traumatic lesions, secondarily infected dermatoses
Cautions
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or any of its excipients
Cautions
- Breastfeeding
- Contact with eyes and mucous membranes
- Prolonged use
Adult dosage
Forms avail. in SA and covered in this monograph: oin
Infections caused by Gram positive, aerobic cocci (including S. aureus and Streptococcus spp.)
General dosing range
- Topical (oin): Apply small quantity to affected area(s), 12hrly; Treatment duration: 5 days
Maximum total treatment area should not exceed 100cm2 total body surface area
Paediatric dosage
Not established for use in children below 9 months
Special populations
Pregnancy
Breastfeeding
Renal Impairment
Hepatic Impairment
Elderly
Adverse reactions
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders
- Contact dermatitis
- Application site reactions
- Irritation
- Pruritus
- Erythema
Immune, Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders
- Hypersensitivity
- Angioedema
Interactions
- Other topical agents
- Ketoconazole
Monitoring
None routine
Mechanism of action
Retapamulin selectively inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by interacting with the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome. The binding site involves ribosomal protein L3 and is in the region of the ribosomal P-site and peptidyl transferase centre. By virtue of binding to this site, pleuromutilins inhibit peptidyl transfer, partially block P-site interactions, and prevent normal formation of active 50S ribosomal subunits, and therefore appear to inhibit bacterial protein synthesis by multiple mechanisms.
Spectrum of activity: Gram positive, aerobic cocci (including S. aureus and Streptococcus spp.)
Dosage forms
- Ointment
Formulation
Ointment (per g) 10mg
- Altargo (GSK) originator
References
1. SAMF_12th Edition_Page 198 2. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/20463 (16/06/2015_GSK_Altargo_10mg/g_oint) 3. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B27NqM_vidrma29rdU5WMWp1S28 (11/10/2013_GSK_Altargo_oint) 4. https://www.drugs.com/pregnancy/retapamulin-topical.html 5. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/retapamulin-drug-information?source=search_result&search=Retapamulin&selectedTitle=1~10
Brands & products
1 product · stale NAPPI snapshot · refreshed 5/28/2026 · 159 days oldointmentGeneric· 1 product
from R54.27/unit| Product | Strength | Pack | Sched | SEP | Unit | Disp fee | NAPPI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altargo | 10 mg/g | 5 | S2 | R271.33 | R54.27 | R99.85 | 719999001 |
- Altargo
Medical aid coverage
data not yet integrated- Comprehensive Series—
- Executive Plan—
- KeyCare Series—
- Priority Series—
- Saver Series—
Formulary scraper pending — coverage tier, co-pay and authorisation requirements will appear here once data is ingested.
- BonClassic—
- BonComprehensive—
- BonEssential—
- BonFit Select—
- BonSave—
- BonStart—
Formulary scraper pending — coverage tier, co-pay and authorisation requirements will appear here once data is ingested.
- Beryl—
- Emerald—
- Onyx—
- Ruby—
- Sapphire—
- Tanzanite One—
Formulary scraper pending — coverage tier, co-pay and authorisation requirements will appear here once data is ingested.
- Aquarium Option—
- Efficiency Option—
- Marine Option—
Formulary scraper pending — coverage tier, co-pay and authorisation requirements will appear here once data is ingested.