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Retapamulin for impetigo and other infections

    Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin
    |October 4, 2008
    PubMed

    Insights

    Retapamulin ointment is a new topical antibacterial for impetigo. This review considers its place in treating impetigo and other skin infections compared to fusidic acid.

    Area of Science:

    • Dermatology
    • Infectious Diseases
    • Pharmacology

    Background:

    • Topical fusidic acid was previously recommended as first-line treatment for impetigo.
    • Retapamulin ointment has recently been licensed in the EU for impetigo and other skin infections.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To evaluate the role of retapamulin in treating impetigo.
    • To compare retapamulin with fusidic acid for impetigo treatment.
    • To assess retapamulin's efficacy in its other licensed indications.

    Main Methods:

    • Review of clinical data and guidelines.
    • Comparison of treatment durations and efficacy claims.
    • Analysis of licensed indications for retapamulin.

    Main Results:

    • Retapamulin offers a shorter treatment course for impetigo (5 days) compared to fusidic acid (7 days).
    • The British National Formulary (BNF) currently advises a 7-day course of fusidic acid.
    • Retapamulin is indicated for impetigo and infected minor skin injuries in individuals aged 9 months and older.

    Conclusions:

    • Retapamulin presents a new therapeutic option for impetigo with a potentially shorter treatment duration.
    • Further evaluation is needed to establish retapamulin's definitive place in impetigo management.
    • The review considers retapamulin's use in its licensed indications beyond impetigo.

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