Generic Name Retapamulin
Bangla Name রেটাপামুলিন
Available brands 4

Introduction

Retapamulin is an antibiotic for skin infections like impetigo.

Uses

Retapamulin is a topical antibiotic agent used for the treatment of impetigo caused by methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes.

For use in adults and pediatric patients aged 9 months and older for the topical treatment of impetigo (up to 100 cm2 in total area in adults or 2% total body surface area in pediatric patients aged 9 months or older) due to Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible isolates only) or Streptococcus pyogenes.

Associated Conditions

  • Staphylococcal impetigo
  • Streptococcal impetigo

Pharmacodynamics

Retapamulin is a semisynthetic pleuromutilin antibiotic. This drug is usually bacteriostatic in action, but may become bactericidal at highed concentrations (when MBC is 1000 times higher than MIC). Retapamulin acts by selectively inhibiting the initiation of protein synthesis in bacteria at the level of bacterial 50S ribosome.

Mechanism of Action

Retapamulin is a bacterial protein synthesis inhibitor belonging to a class of compounds called pleuromutilins. These compounds inhibit the initiation of protein synthesis by binding to a specific site on the 50S subunit of bacterial ribosome (domain V of 23S rRNA). This binding site involves ribosomal protein L3 and is in the region of the ribosomal P site and peptidyl transferase center. By virtue of binding to this site, pleuromutilins inhibit peptidyl transfer, block P-site interactions, and prevent the normal formation of active 50S ribosomal subunits.

Protein Binding

Retapamulin is approximately 94% bound to human plasma proteins, and the protein binding is independent of concentration.

Food Interactions

No interactions found.

Dosage

A thin layer of Topibac should be applied to the affected area (up to 100 cm2 in total area in adults or 2% total body surface area in pediatric patients aged 9 months or older) twice daily for 5 days. The treated area may be covered with a sterile bandage or gauze dressing if desired.

Medical review

Last reviewed: 24 Jul 2026

Medically reviewed by:

This is general information, not personal medical advice. Consult a doctor before taking any medicine.

Taking medicines without doctor's advice can cause long-term problems.
Brand medicines containing Retapamulin