Fusidic acid is a bacteriostatic antibiotic that mainly treats Staphylococcal infections. It is available as a topical and systemic antibiotic.

fusidic acid

Know the basics

What is fusidic acid used for?

Staphylococcal infections, including:
- Skin infections (e.g. impetigo)
- Osteomyelitis
- Pneumonia
- Septicemia
- Endocarditis
- Superinfected cystic fibrosis
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections
Conjunctivitis

How should I take fusidic acid?

Read the directions on the packaging for complete information. Check the label and expiration date.

Swallow oral dosage forms without chewing or crushing it. Take it with meals.

For topical dosage forms, wash your hands before and after handing the product. Avoid touching the tip of the dropper or nozzle. Use a clean cotton swab if necessary.

Parenteral dosage forms should be administered by a licensed healthcare professional.

How do I store fusidic acid?

This product is best stored at room temperature away from direct light and moisture. To prevent drug damage, you should not store it in the bathroom or the freezer.

There may be different brands of this drug that may have different storage needs. So, it is important to always check the product package for instructions on storage, or ask your pharmacist. For safety, you should keep all medicines away from children and pets.

You should not flush this product down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Additionally, it is important to properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Know the precautions & warnings

What should I know before using fusidic acid?

Before using this drug, tell your doctor if you are/have:

Pregnant or breastfeeding.
Taking any other medicines. This includes any prescription, OTC, and herbal remedies.
An allergy to any of the ingredients of this product.
Any other illnesses, disorders, or medical conditions.

Is it safe to take fusidic acid during pregnancy or breast-feeding?

Unfortunately, there isn’t enough information about the safety of using this drug during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, it is likely safe to use the topical dosage forms. Please always consult with your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before taking any medication.

Know the side effects

What are the side effects of fusidic acid?

Like all drugs, this product may have side effects. If they occur, side effects are generally mild and resolve once treatment is finished or the dose is lowered. Some reported side effects include:

Skin rash, irritation
GI disturbances
Injection site reactions
Venospasm
Thrombophlebitis
Hypocalcemia
Jaundice, liver dysfunction
Tissue necrosis

However, not everyone experiences these side effects. In addition, some people may experience other side effects. So, if you have any concerns about a side effect, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Know the interactions

What drugs may interact with fusidic acid?

This medication may interact with other drugs that you are currently taking, which can change how your drug works or increase your risk for serious side effects.

To avoid any potential drug interactions, you should keep a list of all the drugs you are using (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist.

Drugs with known interactions:

Penicillins
Ciprofloxacin

If you experience an adverse drug interaction, inform your doctor immediately to reevaluate your treatment plan. Approaches include dose adjustment, drug substitution, or ending therapy.

Does food or alcohol interact with fusidic acid?

This drug may interact with food or alcohol by altering the way the drug works or increase the risk for serious side effects. Please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist any potential food or alcohol interactions before using this drug.

What health conditions may interact with fusidic acid?

This drug may interact with underlying conditions. This interaction may worsen your health condition or alter the way the drug works. Therefore, it is important to always let your doctor and pharmacist know all the health conditions you currently have, especially:

Liver disease

Understand the Dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. Therefore, you should always consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using any medication.

What is the dose for an adult?

Susceptible infections

Via IV: Adults weighing more than 50 kg, should receive 500 mg of fusidic acid three times a day. Increase the dose to 1 g three times a day for severe infections. Patients weighing less than 50 kg should receive 6 to 7 mg per kg three times a day. Administer it via slow IV infusion over at least 2 hours.

As an oral dosage form, take 500 mg three times a day. Increase the dose to 1 gram for severe infections.

Conjunctivitis

Instill 1 drop into the affected eyes, twice a day for seven days.

Skin infections

After cleansing the skin and your hands, apply the topical product onto the affected area 3 to 4 times a day. If dressing is used, reduce the application to 1 to 2 times a day.

What is the dose for a child?

Susceptible infections

Via IV: administer 20 mg per kg of body weight in three divided doses. Administer it via slow IV infusion over at least 2 hours.

As an oral dosage form:

Less than 1 year old: give 6 mg per kg of body weight, three times a day.
1 to 5 years: give 250 mg three times a day.
5 to 12 years: 500 mg three times a day.
Above 12 years: same as the adult dose.