Drug Name

Fucidin (Fusidic Acid)

Drug Uses

Fucidin is effective against several bacterial species and used in the treatment of infections such as impetigo (characterised by blistering and yellowish-brown crusting of the skin), whitlow (paronchya) and inflammation of hair follicles (sycosis). It is also used to treat eczema or dermatitis that has become infected.

How Taken

Use Fucidin as directed by your doctor.

• Apply a small amount to the lesion three or four times daily until favourable results are achieved. If your doctor has directed you to cover the lesion with a gauze dressing, less frequent applications (one or two daily) may be used. Take care to avoid the eyes if the medication is being applied to the face.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Fucidin.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Fucidin is an antibiotic medicine. It works by entering bacterial cells and interfering with the production of proteins that the bacteria need to divide and multiply. It does not directly kill the bacteria, but leaves them unable to increase in numbers. The existing bacteria eventually die or are destroyed by the immune system. Fusidic acid is included in this preparation to treat the bacteria that sometimes infect inflammatory skin diseases.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Fucidin, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Fucidin at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Fucidin out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Organism overgrowth: Use of antibiotics applied to the skin occasionally allows overgrowth of organisms that are not killed by the antibiotic. If the infection does not improve within a few days or seems to get worse at any time, contact your doctor.
Severe skin infections or infections that do not appear to heal with the use of a topical (skin-applied) medication should be treated with a systemic (oral or injectable) antibiotic in addition to or instead of a topical medication.

Pregnancy: The safety of this medication for treating infections during pregnancy has not been established. If its use by a pregnant woman is considered necessary, the potential benefits should be weighed against the possible risks. There is evidence to suggest that the medication can cross the placenta.

Breast-feeding: There is evidence to suggest that this medication passes into breast milk. The safety of this medication for treating infections in nursing women has not been established.

Possible Side Effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

• Skin rashes;
• Skin irritation;
• Stinging on application.

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

More Information

Fucidin is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.