Other Brands/Names

Afucid, Foban, Fobancort, Fucicort, Fucidic Acid, Fusycom, Fucipar, Fuladic, Fusiderm, Fusigra, Futaerm, Fuson, Pithalmic, Fucicort, Fucilex, Fucithalmic, Fustadin, Fusibat, Fusidasol, Nucide, Strecid.

How It Works

Fusidic acid is an antibiotic used to treat various skin and eye infections. It works by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria, which prevents the growth of the bacteria responsible for the infection. This medication is classified as a narrow-spectrum antibiotic, meaning it specifically targets one type of bacteria.

Indications

Fusidic acid is used to treat conditions such as:

• Infections caused by staphylococcal bacteria

• Conjunctivitis (eye redness disease) caused by bacterial inflammation of the membrane lining the surface of the eyeball

• Bacterial skin infections

Contraindication

Fusidic acid should not be used by individuals who have a history of allergies to the drug, such as reactions like hives, skin rashes, or breathing difficulty after using it.

Side Effects

Common side effects of fucidic acid include:

• Eye symptoms such as itching, pain, a burning sensation, or blurred vision

• Skin symptoms such as rash, itching, pain, or irritation

Serious side effects, although they rarely occur, can still be found in some individuals. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

• Jaundice (the color of sclera in your eyes and skin turns yellow)

• Liver dysfunction

• Gastrointestinal issues

Types

Fusidic acid is available in the following forms:

• Eye drops 10 mg/mL

• Cream (5 g, 10 g, 15 g)

• Eye gel (2.5 g, 5 g)

Dosage

1. Eye drops (for conjunctivitis)

• Adults and children >2 years old: 1 drop into the affected eye(s) every 12 hours for 7 days.

2. Oral medications

• Adults: 500 mg three times daily. This may be increased to 1 gram three times daily for severe infections.

• Children:

  • <1 year old: 6 mg/kg

  • 1-5 years old: 250 mg

  • 5-12 years old: 500 mg

  • >12 years old: the same as adult doses

3. Topical ointment, cream, or gel

• Apply to the affected area 3-4 times daily until improvement occurs.
• If a gauze dressing is used, the dosage can be reduced to 1-2 times daily.

Safety

The effects of fusidic acid during pregnancy are not fully known. If you are pregnant, consult your doctor about the potential risks and benefits of using this medication. It is also unclear whether fusidic acid is excreted in breast milk, so speak with your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

The use of fusicid acid with penicillin antibiotics (antistaphylococcal antibiotics) together may enhance the effects of both drugs. Meanwhile, concurrent use of fusidic acid and ciprofloxacin may reduce the effectiveness of each medication.

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