About Fusidic Acid

Fusidic acid is also sometimes known as sodium fusidate.

Fusidic acid is an antibiotic. It works by stopping bacteria from growing.

It's used to treat bacterial infections, such as

• skin infections including impetigo
• eye infections including conjunctivitis

Fusidic acid is only available on prescription. It comes as a cream, ointment, or eye drops.

It's also available with a steroid as a combined cream. Brand names include Fucibet (fusidic acid with betamethasone) and Fucidin H (fusidic acid with hydrocortisone).

It's also given by injection, as a liquid you swallow, or as tablets, but these are usually only used in hospital.

Key facts

• You'll usually use fusidic acid eye drops twice a day, or fusidic acid cream or ointment 3 or 4 times a day.
• Common side effects of fusidic acid eye drops include dry, sore, itchy or stinging eyes. It's unusual to get side effects with fusidic acid cream or ointment.
• If you get blurred vision after using eye drops, avoid driving, cycling or using tools or machines until your vision is better.
• Your condition should improve a few days after starting treatment.
• It's important to finish your full course of treatment, to stop the infection coming back.

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