Indications
- Cream and ointment: skin infections caused by bacteria, especially Staphylococcus, such as impetigo, infected cuts and wounds, boils and infected eczema.
- Combination creams with Hydrocortisone or Betamethasone: infected inflamed skin conditions such as infected eczema, as prescribed.
- Eye drops: bacterial conjunctivitis (sticky, red, infected eye).
- Oral suspension: serious staphylococcal infections such as bone or skin infections, as prescribed, usually with another antibiotic.
How It Works
Fusidic acid is an antibiotic that stops bacteria from making the proteins they need to grow and multiply. It works particularly well against Staphylococcus bacteria.
Dosage and Administration
- Cream or ointment: wash and dry the area, then apply a thin layer 3 or 4 times a day, usually for up to 7 days. Do not use for longer than 10 days unless the doctor says so, as bacteria can become resistant.
- Combination creams with a steroid: as prescribed, usually 2 or 3 times a day for a short time.
- Eye drops: usually 1 drop in the affected eye twice a day for 7 days, continuing for 2 days after the eye looks normal.
- Oral suspension: as prescribed; the dose for children depends on weight.
Interactions
Taken by mouth, fusidic acid must not be used with statins such as Atorvastatin, Simvastatin or Rosuvastatin, as the combination can cause severe, sometimes fatal muscle breakdown. The doctor will pause the statin during treatment and for 7 days after the last dose. Oral fusidic acid also raises levels of Ritonavir, Saquinavir and Ciclosporin. Creams, ointments and eye drops are not known to interact with other medicines.
Contraindications
Allergy to fusidic acid or any ingredient. Oral fusidic acid with statins (see Interactions). Steroid combination creams should not be used on viral skin infections such as cold sores or chickenpox, fungal infections, or acne.
Side Effects
Cream and ointment: mild itching, burning or redness where applied. Eye drops: brief stinging and blurred vision just after use. Oral form: nausea, stomach pain, diarrhoea and, less often, yellowing of the skin.
Get urgent medical help for swelling of the face, lips or eyes, difficulty breathing, a spreading or blistering rash, or, with the oral form, muscle pain or weakness, dark urine or yellow skin or eyes. See a doctor if the infection does not improve in a few days.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Cream, ointment and eye drops can be used in pregnancy and breastfeeding when the doctor advises, as very little is absorbed. Do not apply on the breast while breastfeeding. Oral fusidic acid should be used in pregnancy only if clearly needed, on medical advice.
Precautions and Warnings
Avoid getting the cream in the eyes. Do not cover with tight dressings unless advised. Remove soft contact lenses before using the eye drops and do not wear lenses while the eye is infected. People taking the oral form need liver checks if treatment is long.
Overdose
Using too much cream or swallowing a small amount is unlikely to cause harm. For an overdose of the oral form, contact a doctor.
Therapeutic Class
Antibacterial (fusidane antibiotic).
Storage
Store below 30°C, away from light and out of the reach of children. Do not freeze. Throw away eye drops 4 weeks after opening.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.