title: 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.
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019086:Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004224:Diterpenes; D006801:Humans; D007169:Impetigo / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009824:Ointments; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D017192:Skin Diseases, Bacterial / Q000188:drug therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014946:Wound Infection / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D019086:Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic; D004224:Diterpenes; D009824:Ointments; C508887:retapamulin