About Fusidic Acid 2% Cream
Fusidic Acid 2% Cream contains Fusidic Acid 2%. Fusidic acid cream is an antibiotic applied to the skin. It is used to treat bacterial skin infections such as impetigo and infected cuts, wounds or eczema, especially those caused by Staphylococcus bacteria. It is usually used for a short time, as advised by the doctor, to help stop bacteria becoming resistant.
Uses of Fusidic Acid 2% Cream
- Impetigo
- Infected cuts, grazes and small wounds
- Infected eczema or dermatitis, as advised by the doctor
- Infected hair follicles (folliculitis) and boils
Benefits
In bacterial skin infections
It stops the bacteria from growing, helping the infection clear and the skin heal. Using it for the course your doctor advises helps clear the infection.
Side effects
Mild skin irritation can occur. Talk to your doctor if it bothers you or the infection does not get better.
Common
- Itching
- Redness
- Burning or stinging where it is applied
- Rash
Get medical help if you notice
- Severe itching, swelling, blistering or rash spreading beyond the treated area — stop and contact your doctor
- Swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing — stop and seek emergency care
How to use
Use it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Wash your hands, gently clean and dry the affected area, then apply a thin layer of cream. You may cover it with a light dressing if advised. Wash your hands afterwards. Keep it away from the eyes.
How it works
Fusidic acid stops bacteria from making the proteins they need to grow and multiply, which helps the body clear the infection.
Safety advice
Alcohol Safe
No interaction known.
Pregnancy Caution
Very little is absorbed through the skin, but use it only if your doctor advises it.
Breastfeeding Caution
It can be used if your doctor advises, but do not apply it to the breast area.
Driving Safe
It is not expected to affect your ability to drive.
Kidney Safe
Very little of the cream is absorbed into the body, so kidney disease is not expected to matter.
Liver Safe
Very little of the cream is absorbed into the body, so liver disease is not expected to matter.
If you miss a dose
If you miss an application, apply it when you remember. If it is nearly time for the next one, skip the missed one. Do not apply extra to make up.
Quick tips
- Use it only for as long as your doctor advises; long or repeated use can make bacteria resistant.
- See your doctor if the infection does not improve within a few days or spreads.
- Wash your hands before and after applying it, and do not share towels, to avoid spreading infection.
- Keep it away from the eyes.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Steroid antibiotic (fusidane)
- Therapeutic class
- Dermatology / anti-infective
- Action class
- Topical antibiotic (protein synthesis inhibitor)
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Other creams, ointments or cosmetics on the same area | May dilute the cream or irritate the skin; ask before using together |
| Statins such as atorvastatin or simvastatin | Serious muscle problems are a known risk with fusidic acid taken by mouth or injection. The cream is absorbed very little, but tell your doctor if you take a statin. |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Fusidic acid cream 2% prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); NICE BNF: fusidic acid). Pharmacist review pending.