What is Fusidic acid?
Fusidic acid is an antibiotic. The medications are used for treating various bacterial infections and skin infections which includes cellulitis, impetigo and eye infections that include conjunctivitis (red and itchy eye). Fusidic acid is only available with a prescription. The drugs come in various forms such as cream, ointment, and eye drops. It is also combined with a steroid in some creams.
Fusidic acid can also be given by injection, you can also swallow the liquid or tablet. But these forms are usually given in the hospitals only.
Fusidic acid Uses
Fusidic acid is used for treating certain skin diseases (atopic dermatitis). The medication works by stopping the growth of various bacteria and also helps in reducing redness, itching, crusting and swelling of the skin sores. Fusidic acid is a combination of an antibiotic and corticosteroid. This drug will only treat some specific bacterial infection. It will not work for any other infections such as viral and fungal infections.
Fusidic acid Side effects
Common Fusidic acid side effects are
- Dryness
- Mild irritation
- Burning
- Redness
Some of the serious side effects of Fusidic acid are
- Rash
- Itching
- Swelling
- Severe dizziness
- Trouble breathing
- Rash
- Itching
- Swelling
- Severe dizziness
- Trouble breathing
Precautions
Before taking Fusidic acid tak to your doctor if you’re allergic to it or any other medications. Although very unlikely, it is possible that this drug is absorbed into the bloodstream. This can have undesirable consequences that may require additional corticosteroid treatment. This is especially true for children and those who have used this drug for a long period of time and if they also have serious medical problems, such as infections, injuries, or serious surgery.
This precaution applies up to one year after stopping the use of this medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you have any of the following side effects: vision problems, persistent headache, increased thirst or urination, unusual weakness or weight loss, dizziness. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details and inform them that you use (or have used) this medicine.This medicine passes into breast milk. While there have been no reports of harm to infants, consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
How to take Fusidic Acid?
Before using the medications read the prescription label and consult with your doctor. Clean and dry the affected area where you want to apply Fusidic acid. Massage a very small amount of Fusidic acid 3 times a day. Avoid wrapping or covering the area of plastic. If you applying the medication on the face avoid applying it near the eye from preventing it from any irritation and any serious side effects.
How to use cream or ointment?
It is common to apply a fusidic acid cream or ointment 3 or 4 times a day. Check with your pharmacist or doctor if you are not sure. The difference between cream and ointment is that ointment is more greasy. The doctor may likely prescribe the cream if you have a lot of infected skin to cover and ointment for smaller infected areas.
How to apply it?
- Remove the cap. Check that the seal is not broken before using the cream or ointment for the first time. Then push the tip of the cap through the tube seal.
- Try to wash your hands before using fusidic acid cream or ointment. Unless you are using the cream or ointment to treat your hands, always wash your hands afterwards as well.
- Put a thin layer of cream or ointment on the infected area and rub it in gently.
- If you accidentally get any medicine in your eye, wash it out immediately with cold water and then flush your eye with eye drops if possible. Your eye may burn.
- If you begin to have vision problems or eye pain, contact your doctor immediately.
- If you have been told to cover the infected skin with dressings or bandages, you may not need to use the medicine as often. Follow your doctor's advice.
Missed Dose
Missing one or two-dose of fusidic acid won’t show any effect on your body. The skipped dose causes no problem. But with some medication, it won’t work if you don’t take the dosage on time. If you miss a dose some sudden chemical change may affect your body. In some cases, your doctor would advise you to take the prescribed medicine as soon as possible if you have missed the dose.
Overdose
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed fusidic acid tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Warnings for some serious health conditions
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
It is generally safe to use fusidic acid cream, ointment, or eye drops while pregnant or breastfeeding. If you are breastfeeding, use caution when applying fusidic acid cream or ointment. Make sure it doesn't accidentally get on your breasts. If this happens, wash the cream or ointment off your breasts before feeding your baby.
Fusidic acid Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. The exposure of medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.
Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Before taking fusidic acid consult your Doctor. In case if you face any problems or get any side effects after taking fusidic acid rush immediately to your nearby hospital or consult your doctor for better treatment. Carry your medications always in your bag while travelling to avoid any immediate emergencies. Follow your prescription and follow your Doctor advice whenever you take fusidic acid.
Some important key facts
- It is common to use fusidic acid eye drops twice a day. It is common to apply a fusidic acid cream or ointment 3 or 4 times a day.
- The most common side effects of fusidic acid eye drops are dry, sore, itchy, or burning eyes. You may also have blurred vision. It is unusual to have side effects with fusidic acid cream or ointment, but some people experience irritation of the skin where they put it.
- Treatment with fusidic cream or ointment usually lasts 1 to 2 weeks, although it can sometimes last longer.
Fusidic Acid vs Mupiroci
Fusidic Acid |
Mupirocin |
|---|---|
| Fusidic acid is an antibiotic. The medications are used for treating various bacterial infections and skin infections which includes cellulitis, impetigo and eye infections that include conjunctivitis (red and itchy eye). Fusidic acid is only available with a prescription. | Mupirocin is an antibiotic which helps to prevent bacteria from growing on your skin. It comes in various forms such as topical ointment, topical cream and nasal ointment. |
| Fusidic acid is used for treating certain skin diseases (atopic dermatitis). The medication works by stopping the growth of various bacteria and also helps in reducing redness, itching, crusting and swelling of the skin sores. Fusidic acid is a combination of an antibiotic and corticosteroid. | This medication is used for the treatingf impetigo and infections which is caused by staphylococcus aureus and beta-hemolytic streptococcus. |
Some of the serious side effects of Fusidic acid are:
|
Some of the serious side effects of Mupirocin are:
|
