Fusidic acid is an antibiotic. It is most commonly used to treat skin infections such as impetigo and cellulitis. It can also treat eye infections such as red or itchy eyes, also called conjunctivitis. Fusidic acid is available in the form of eye drops, creams, and ointments. Moreover, it is a prescription-only medicine. The combination of steroids and fusidic acid is also available in the form of creams. In hospitals, it can also be given in injection, tablets, and in liquid form as well¹. 

Fusidic acid is used to treat skin infections caused by staphylococcal bacteria. Impetigo, infected cuts and abrasions, and infected dermatitis are examples of such skin infections. It works by preventing the infection-causing bacteria from multiplying. The salt of fusidic acid, sodium fusidate, functions in the same way. If you have been prescribed an ointment to use, you may notice this name listed as an ingredient.

The antibacterial preparation of sodium fusidate and fusidic acid rapidly treats the bacterial infection of the skin. It usually comes in the form of ointments. These ointment preparations are ideal when the infection is confined to a small area of the skin. However, for widespread skin infection, oral medicines are usually recommended. 

The doctor usually prescribes a combination of fusidic acid and an anti-inflammatory agent if the skin area has inflammation. Betamethasone and hydrocortisone are commonly used anti-inflammatory agents². 

 

Mechanism of action of Fusidic Acid

The mechanism of the antibacterial action of fusidic acid can be described by interfering with bacterial protein synthesis. It specifically inhibits the translocation of the elongation factor G (EF-G) from the ribosome. In addition, Chloramphenicol acetyltransferase enzymes are also inhibited by fusidic acid³.

 

Uses of Fusidic acid

Fusidic acid is helpful to treat a variety of skin conditions, including atopic dermatitis. It reduces redness, itching, crusting, and swelling of skin lesions by inhibiting the growth of specific bacteria. The combination of a corticosteroid (hydrocortisone) and an antibiotic (fusidic acid) is used for skin infection and inflammatory conditions.  Only specific bacterial illnesses are treated with this fusidic acid. Other infections, such as viral or fungal infections, cannot be treated with fusidic acid. In addition, antibiotics might lose their potency if they are used excessively or unnecessarily.

 

Side effects of Fusidic acid

Common side effects associated with fusidic acid include redness, mild irritation, dryness, and burning. If these side effects get worse or persist, then you must consult your doctor or pharmacist. Your doctor prescribes fusidic acid to people because its beneficial effects are more significant than its side effects. 

The majority of people who use this medicine do not have any significant adverse effects. However, long-term or frequent use of this medicine may cause skin discoloration/thinning, as well as a new infection like fungal infection). Call your doctor if you detect indications of a new infection (e.g., new or worsening redness/irritation). Although a severe allergic reaction to this medication is uncommon, get medical help right once if you experience any adverse effects. Rashes, itching, swelling, acute dizziness, and difficulty breathing are signs of a significant allergic response.  Avoid using fusidic acid cream if you previously experience hypersensitivity reactions from any of its ingredients. Contact your healthcare professionals if you have any other side effects not described above⁴.   

Warnings and precautions of Fusidic acid

Before using Fusidic acid cream, you must consult your pharmacist and doctor. 

If you want to use Fusidic acid on the face, you must ensure that it does not apply near the eyes, as it causes a prickling feeling in the eye.  The chances of getting side effects become higher when you use fusidic acid for the long term or in large amounts. In this way, your skin may become more sensitive to the cream. You must consult your doctor if you experience any of the above-mentioned warnings in the past. 

 

Other medicines and Fusidic acid cream

If you have recently used or want to use any other drugs, including those purchased without a prescription, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Fusidic acid cream has no known interactions with other medications.

 

Pregnancy, breast-feeding and fertility

Before using fusidic acid, talk to your healthcare professional if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, believe you may be pregnant, or intend to have a baby.

 

Pregnancy

There is insufficient data available to conclude that using Fusidic acid cream during pregnancy is safe.  To assess the overall risks and advantages of using this drug, talk to your doctor about your current situation. Then you can decide with your doctor whether or not to use this medication while you're pregnant. Fusidic acid should only be used during pregnancy if your doctor feels you need it.

 

Breast-feeding

 It is unclear that using Fusidic acid cream topically during breastfeeding would damage your infant. Although fusidic acid cream can be used while breastfeeding, it should not be applied to your breast. On the recommendation of your doctor, you should exclusively breastfeed your infant while using fusidic acid⁵. 

 

 

References

 

1. Fusidic acid. [Internet]. [Cited 2021 August 08]; Available from https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/fusidic-acid/
2. Fusidic acid for skin infections. [Internet]. [Cited 2021 August 08]; Available from https://patient.info/medicine/fusidic-acid-for-skin-infections-fucidin
3. Fusidic acid. [Internet]. [Cited 2021 August 08]; Available from https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB02703
4. Fusidic acid/hydrocortisone-topical. [Internet]. [Cited 2021 August 08]; Available from https://www.medicinenet.com/fusidic_acidhydrocortisone-topical/article.htm
5. Fusidic acid/hydrocortisone-topical. [Internet]. [Cited 2021 August 08]; Available from https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/3364/pil#gref

 

 

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