Fusidic Acid

2 medicines

Fusidic acid is a bacteriostatic antibiotic used as a cream for infected skin conditions such as impetigo, and orally or intravenously in some countries for deeper staphylococcal infections. Used alone or for too long, bacteria quickly become resistant, so courses are kept short and systemic use is always paired with a second antibiotic.

Betamethasone and Fusidic Acid Cream

Betamethasone, Fusidic acid

2/0.12%

Betamethasone and Fusidic Acid Cream is a skin care medication containing Betamethasone + Fusidic acid, available as 2/0.12% tubes.

from $21.46 / tube View

Fusiderm B

Betamethasone, Fusidic acid

2/0.12%

Fusiderm B is a skin care medication containing Betamethasone + Fusidic acid, available as 2/0.12% tubes.

from $21.46 / tube View

Key facts

  • Fusidic acid is a bacteriostatic antibiotic that stops staphylococcal and some other bacteria from making the proteins they need to multiply.
  • Topical creams and ointments treat infected skin conditions such as impetigo; oral and intravenous forms, available in some countries, treat deeper staphylococcal infections, including bone and joint infections.
  • Bacteria develop resistance to fusidic acid quickly if it is used alone or for longer than needed. Oral and intravenous courses are always combined with a second antistaphylococcal antibiotic, and topical courses are kept short, typically 7 to 10 days.
  • Seek care if a treated area spreads, develops pus or fever, or you notice signs of an allergic reaction.

What fusidic acid treats

Topical fusidic acid treats impetigo, infected eczema, infected cuts and other superficial skin infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus and related bacteria. Where available, oral and intravenous fusidic acid treat more serious staphylococcal infections such as osteomyelitis, septic arthritis and endocarditis, always as part of combination treatment. It does not treat fungal or viral skin infections.

How fusidic acid works

Fusidic acid blocks a bacterial protein called elongation factor G, which bacteria need to build new proteins and multiply. Without it, bacteria stop growing and the body's immune defenses clear the remaining organisms. Because a single mutation can defeat this one mechanism, resistance emerges fast when fusidic acid works alone.

Before you take it

  • Do not use fusidic acid if you have had an allergic reaction to it or related antibiotics.
  • Tell your prescriber if you have liver disease, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are using other topical steroids or antibiotics on the same area.
  • Do not use leftover fusidic acid for a different infection or share it with others; incomplete or repeated courses drive resistance.

Side effects

Common effects with topical use are mild stinging, itching or redness at the application site.

Stop and seek urgent medical care for:

  • A rash, hives or swelling that spreads beyond the treated area.
  • Blistering or skin that becomes painful.
  • Difficulty breathing or swelling of the lips, tongue or face.
  • With oral or intravenous use, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or unusual bruising, which can signal liver problems.

Safety essentials

  • The defining risk with fusidic acid is resistance. Never use it as the sole treatment for a serious infection, and finish the prescribed course even if the skin looks better.
  • Do not use topical fusidic acid for longer than your prescriber advises or on large areas of skin, since this increases both resistance and the small amount absorbed into the body.
  • If oral or intravenous fusidic acid is prescribed, it will be given with a second antibiotic; do not stop either medicine early.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.