Fusidic Acid: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Fusidic Acid?

Fusidic Acid is a medication for the treatment of skin infections. It belongs to the category antibiotics. Fusidic Acid is a prescription cream used to stop the growth of infection-causing bacteria on the skin. These infections usually occur due to skin injury or burns. This antibiotic cream is a combination of Fusidic Acid (antibiotic) and hydrocortisone (corticosteroid). Fusidic Acid cream does not treat fungal or viral infections. It is available in the form of cream, ointment, or eye drops.

What are the uses of Fusidic Acid?

Fusidic Acid is a topical treatment for skin infections that include cellulitis and impetigo. The medication can also treat eye infections and conjunctivitis. Fusidic Acid contains antibiotic properties that can treat:

  • Skin infected by bacteria or germs. 
  • Reddish sores on the face, hands, and feet.
  • Skin inflammation.
  • Swollen patches on the skin.
  • Infected cuts and skin abrasions.

Fucidin cream or ointment is applied 3 or 4 times a day over the affected skin. The ointment is more greasy than cream; therefore, it should be applied to small areas. Usually, healing starts within one or two weeks of the topical treatment. Consult our medical experts and do as directed.

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    What are the side effects of Fusidic Acid?

    In general, there are no side effects of applying Fusidic Acid on the skin. However, some common side effects are as under:

    • Allergic reactions over the infected skin.
    • Swelling, rashes, or redness. 
    • Mild skin irritation.
    • Skin thinning or discolouration.
    • Soreness or burning sensation in eyes.

     At times, a person may experience some adverse side effects such as :

    • Conjunctivitis.
    • Urticaria or hives.

    Special care is needed while applying Fucidin cream near the eyes. Carelessness may lead to glaucoma. Also, before you start the treatment, make sure to inform your doctor if you have any allergies. Some precautions are to be considered before you take the treatment for bacterial infection. Inform your doctor of the below:

    • Allergic reactions. 
    • Other medications.
    • Pregnancy 
    • Breastfeeding.

    What is Fusidic Acid

    Uses of Fusidic Acid

    Side effects of Fusidic Acid

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Fusidic Acid

    No, Fusidic Acid is inapplicable on cold sores. Cold sores are inflamed blisters caused by the herpes simplex virus. Fusidic Acid is an antibiotic cream that can only treat skin infections caused by bacteria. It does not treat viral or fungal infections. Antiviral drugs are used to treat cold sores.

    Yes, there is an expiry date of Fusidic Acid-based cream or ointment. It is advised not to use the medication after 60 days of the first opening of the tube or after the expiry date, whichever comes first. Also, do not use the cream in case the packing is torn or tampered with.

    Fusidic Acid is a type of anti-inflammatory drug known as a corticosteroid, usually referred to as steroids. Fucidin cream or ointment is a steroid antibacterial agent to treat bacterial skin infections. The molecular structure of the chemical is similar to steroids. Though, it does not possess any steroidal activity.

    Since acne or pimples develop due to bacterial infection on the skin, Fusidic Acid can treat it. Clinical studies claim that Fusidic Acid is not highly effective for cutie bacterium acnes. This topical treatment can occasionally be used for the treatment of acne vulgaris. For desired results, Fucidin H cream should be applied twice a day for two weeks.

    No, Fusidic Acid is not penicillin. It is an alternative for it. Penicillin is an antibiotic produced synthetically. Fusidic Acid (alternative generic name sodium fusidate) is an antibiotic used by patients allergic to penicillin. Get a medical opinion from our experts before you start the treatment.

    Fusidic Acid can treat bacterial infections on the face. Follow your doctor's instructions and apply a thin layer of Fucidin H cream over the affected skin part two times a day. However, it is generally not advisable to apply Fucidin cream over open wounds or sensitive body parts such as nostrils, ears, lips, or genitals.

    It is advisable to stop applying the cream after ten days of the treatment. You may see improvement in the skin condition within this time. If not, seek medical attention from our experts. Also, you should not use the cream if you are hypersensitive to any of the chemicals in the medication.

    Since Fucidin cream has antibacterial properties, it is best suited for eczema or dermatitis. If you are suffering from mild eczema, hydrocortisone steroid is the first treatment given by the doctor. Fusidic Acid is a corticosteroid containing ingredients that treat eczema, skin inflammation and relieve itchiness.

    No, Fusidic Acid is not an antifungal medication. It does not treat skin infections caused by fungus or viruses. Fusidic Acid is an antibacterial agent that kills germs or bacteria. It contains antibiotics (Fusidic Acid) and corticosteroid (hydrocortisone). These chemicals are useful for the treatment of bacterial infections.

    Ringworm, commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a fungal infection that occurs between the toes. It often occurs due to wearing tight shoes. Fusidic Acid is an antibacterial medication and so cannot treat infections caused by fungus. Ringworm can be well-treated by using OTC antifungal cream, ointment, or spray.
    S.no Product Name Dosage Form
    1. Fucidin Fusidic acid 2% Cream
    2. Fudic Fusidic acid 20mg Cream
    3. Halovate-F Fusidic acid 2 %+halobetasol propionate 0.05 % Cream
    4. Hhfudic Fusidic acid 2 %+mometasone 0.1 % Cream
    5. Fusiderm-B Fusidic acid 2 %+betamethasone 0.12 % Cream