Fusidic Acid
About Fusidic Acid
Fusidic Acid is used to treat infections of the skin such as impetigo (a weeping, crusty and swollen patch of skin), cellulitis (swelling, redness, and pain in the infected area), infected cuts, burns, wounds, grazes, abrasions, ulcers, boils, abscesses, spots, carbuncles (cluster of boils), infected eczema and infected contact dermatitis (inflammation of the skin).
Fusidic Acid contains Fusidic acid, an antibiotic that works by inhibiting the production of essential proteins that are necessary for bacteria to grow and multiply. Thereby, it stops the growth of bacteria without killing them directly. Then, the bacteria eventually die, or the immune system destroys them, clearing the infection.
Fusidic Acid is for external use only. Use Fusidic Acid as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to use Fusidic Acid for as long as your doctor has prescribed it based on your medical condition.
In some cases, you may experience irritation or itching at the site of the application. Most of these side effects of Fusidic Acid do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Avoid smoking or going near naked flames as the fabric (bedding, clothing, dressings) that is in contact with Fusidic Acid may catch fire and burn easily. Do not apply Fusidic Acid in large amounts or use it for a longer time than prescribed, as it does not provide quick or better results and increases the risk of side effects, antibiotic resistance, and makes the skin more sensitive to Fusidic Acid.
Uses of Fusidic Acid
Medicinal Benefits
- Helps treat bacterial skin infections such as impetigo, folliculitis, infected dermatitis, eczema with secondary infection, and infected wounds.
- Provides relief from redness, swelling, and itching caused by bacterial infection.
- Helps in preventing the spread of bacteria to surrounding skin.
- Promotes quicker healing of minor cuts, wounds, or abrasions with bacterial contamination.
- Provides targeted antibacterial action against Staphylococcus aureus and related bacteria.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication.
- Apply it onto the affected area as a thin layer and gently rub it in.
- Always wash your hands before and after using Fusidic Acid.
- Avoid your eyes if you are using Fusidic Acid on your face.
- In case of accidental contact with the eyes, rinse with cold water immediately, then bathe your eye with eyewash if possible.
- If you experience any vision problems or your eye is sore, contact your doctor right away.
Storage
Side Effects of Fusidic Acid
- Irritation or itching at the site of the application
Drug Warnings
- If you are allergic to fusidic acid, other topical antibiotics or any other ingredients, do not use Fusidic Acid.
- Avoid smoking or going near naked flames, as the fabric (bedding, clothing, dressings) in contact with Fusidic Acid may catch fire and burn easily, posing a serious fire hazard.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please inform your doctor before using Fusidic Acid.
- Do not apply Fusidic Acid in large amounts or use it for longer than prescribed, as it does not provide quick or better results and increases the risk of side effects, antibiotic resistance, and makes the skin more sensitive to Fusidic Acid.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medicines with or without prescription and herbal medicines.
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interaction: No interactions found.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorInteraction of alcohol with Fusidic Acid is unknown. Please discuss with your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
Pregnancy
safe if prescribedFusidic Acid may be used during pregnancy if recommended by a doctor. Please take your doctor's advice before using Fusidic Acid if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
cautionFusidic Acid may be used by breastfeeding women if recommended by a doctor. However, they should avoid applying Fusidic Acid on the breast to protect the nursing infant from unintentional uptake.
Driving
safe if prescribedFusidic Acid usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
consult your doctorIf you have any concerns regarding use of Fusidic Acid in patients with liver problems, please consult a doctor.
Kidney
consult your doctorIf you have any concerns regarding use of Fusidic Acid in patients with kidney problems, please consult a doctor.
Children
cautionFusidic Acid should be used with caution in children and only in doses prescribed by a doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Wash your hands regularly and properly.
- Wash cuts, scrapes, wounds, or insect bites right away.
- Cover any skin infections with a bandage after cleaning and drying the skin.
- Avoid skin-to-skin contact with the person having a skin infection.
- Throw away the used gloves and bandages in the garbage.
- Avoid sharing items such as towels, bar soap, razors, clothes, or toys.
- Clean any shared bedding or toys.
Special Advise
You are advised to apply any other lotions, creams or ointments including cosmetics and moisturizers after 30 minutes of applying Fusidic Acid as using both at the same time may reduce the effectiveness of Fusidic Acid.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bacterial skin infection: It occurs when bacteria enter the body through a scratch or cut in the skin. They often begin as small, red bumps that increase in size slowly. Some bacterial infections are mild and can be treated easily with topical antibiotics, but other infections require an oral antibiotic. Different types of bacterial skin infections include impetigo, cellulitis, boils, and Hansen's disease (leprosy). Impetigo is a highly contagious skin infection that occurs as yellowish crusts on the arms, face, or legs. Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection that causes swelling, redness, and pain in the infected areas of the skin.
FAQs
Fusidic Acid is used to treat infections of the skin such as impetigo (a weeping, crusty and swollen patch of skin), cellulitis (swelling, redness, and pain in the infected area), infected cuts, burns, wounds, grazes, abrasions, ulcers, boils, abscesses, spots, carbuncles (cluster of boils), infected eczema and infected contact dermatitis (inflammation of the skin).
Fusidic Acid works by inhibiting the production of essential proteins that are necessary for bacteria to grow and multiply. Thereby, it stops the growth of bacteria without killing them directly. Then the bacteria eventually die, or the immune system destroys them, clearing the infection.
Fusidic Acid may be used to treat impetigo (a crusty and swollen patch of skin). Fusidic Acid is an antibiotic that stops the growth of bacteria and prevents the spread of infection.
You are recommended to cover the infected skin with bandages or dressings only if advised by your doctor else it may increase the risk of side effects. In the case of babies, a nappy acts as a dressing.
You are recommended to use Fusidic Acid for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. However, if the symptoms do not improve or worsen after 1 week, stop using Fusidic Acid and consult a doctor.
No, you are not recommended to stop using Fusidic Acid without consulting your doctor as it may worsen the infection or cause recurring symptoms. Therefore, use Fusidic Acid for as long as your doctor has prescribed it, and if you experience any difficulty while using Fusidic Acid, please consult your doctor.
