Did the doctor give you Retapamulin ointment too? (Retapamulin) Let's find out exactly what this is!

Sometimes, a small wound or scratch on your skin can become infected, swollen, or red due to bacteria, right? At that time, your doctor may prescribe an ointment. Retapamulin is a special medication that is used to treat bacterial infections on the skin. You may know it by the brand name `ALTABAX`. Today, we will talk about this medication, how to use it, and what to be careful about.

Simply put, what is this Retapamulin?

Retapamulin is a medicine that belongs to the antibiotic class. However, it is not a medicine that is taken orally, but a topical cream that is applied to the skin. Its main function is to kill bacteria that cause skin infections.

But there's one important thing you should definitely remember here: This medicine only works for bacterial infections.

• Imagine you have a fungal/yeast infection like thrush. Applying this to something like that won't do anything.
• This also doesn't work for blisters caused by a virus like herpes.

Therefore, only use this medicine if your doctor has determined that your skin infection is bacterial and has prescribed it.

Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine

For your safety, before you start using this medicine, be sure to tell your doctor about the following:

• If you have had an allergic reaction to this Retapamulin medicine or any other medicine, food, dyes, or preservatives, be sure to tell your doctor.
• If you are pregnant or hoping to become pregnant , tell us about it.
• It is very important to inform the doctor if you are a breastfeeding mother .

Based on this information, the doctor will decide whether this medicine is suitable for you or not.

How to use the medicine correctly?

To get the most out of a medication, you need to use it correctly. Remember these steps carefully.

1. For topical use only: This is for topical use only. Do not drink or ingest it for any reason.

2. Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after applying the ointment. This will help prevent germs from spreading to the wound and the medication from getting into your eyes.

3. Be careful with your eyes: Do not let the medicine get into your eyes. If you accidentally get it in your eyes, immediately rinse your eyes thoroughly with running water.

4. Spread as a thin film :Apply a thin film of the medicine only to the infected area of ​​skin. There is no need to apply it too thickly.

5. Can be covered: If necessary, the area where the medicine was applied can be covered with a sterile gauze dressing.

6. Complete the prescribed period: This is the most important thing. Whatever number of days the doctor tells you to apply it, you should use it for the entire period. Even if the wound seems to be healing, do not stop applying it after two or three days. If you stop, the remaining bacteria can become stronger again and the infection can get worse.

If you use it for small children...

Doctors sometimes recommend this medicine for children older than 9 months. However, there are special precautions. Therefore, if you are using this for a child, follow the doctor's instructions exactly.

What if the medicine is used too much? (Overdosage)

If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

What do you do if you forget to take a dose of medicine?

It is common to forget to take your medicine. If this happens, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose when you remember, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose at the same time.

Can there be problems with other medications? (Interactions)

Yes, some medications may interact with this ointment.

• The first thing is, do not apply any other cream, ointment, or lotion to the skin after applying this ointment without consulting your doctor.
• Especially if you are taking antifungal medications like `Ketoconazole`, tell your doctor about it.

Therefore, it is important to give your doctor a complete list of all other medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements) . It is also important to tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.

Are there any side effects? (Side Effects)

Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people. But not everyone does. You can clearly see this in the table below.

If you experience anything else that you think is unusual that is not on this list, talk to your doctor about that as well.

How to keep medicine safe?

• Keep it safe, out of the reach of children and pets.
• It is best to store it at room temperature (around 25 Celsius).
• Never use expired medicine.
• Ask your doctor about the best way to dispose of expired or unwanted medications. Sometimes you can mix the medicine in a tube with something like used coffee grounds or soil, put it in a bag, seal it, and throw it in the trash. However, it's best to ask your doctor for specific advice.