Fucidin (Fusidic Acid)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.