Fusidic acid (Fucidin)

Fusidic acid is not suitable for some people. For example, check with your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any medicine.

Fusidic acid comes as a cream or ointment you usually use 3 or 4 times a day, or eye drops you use twice a day. Follow the instructions on the packet.

Side effects of fusidic acid cream or ointment include skin irritation. Eye drops can cause stinging. More serious side effects happen in rare cases.

Using fusidic acid with other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements is unlikely to cause problems. Check with a pharmacist or doctor.

Most adults and children can use fusidic acid cream, ointment and eye drops.

Fusidic acid is not suitable for some people. To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to fusidic acid or any other medicine.

Fusidic acid comes as a cream, an ointment or eye drops.

The main difference between fusidic acid cream and ointment is how it feels. The ointment is greasier than the cream.

Dose for cream and ointment

Whether you're using cream or ointment, you'll usually put it on 3 or 4 times a day.

If you are using a cream which also contains a steroid, you'll usually put it on twice a day.

If you have been told to cover the infected skin with any dressings or bandages, including a nappy if you are using it on a baby, you may not need to use the medicine so often. Follow your doctor's advice.

Check with your pharmacist or doctor if you're unsure.

Dose for eye drops

Fusidic acid eye drops come as a gel in a tube. As the gel touches your eye it becomes runnier.

You'll usually put 1 drop into your eye twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening.

It's unusual to have side effects with fusidic acid cream or ointment.

Some people get skin irritation where they put the cream or ointment on. This happens in less than 1 in 100 people.

Keep using the cream or ointment, but talk to your pharmacist or doctor if skin irritation bothers you or does not go away.

Common side effects of eye drops

These common side effects of fusidic acid eye drops happen in more than 1 in 10 people. There are things you can do to help cope with them:

Do not rub your eye as this can make things worse. Wet a clean flannel with cool water, close your eye and put the flannel over your eye for a few minutes to ease the symptoms.

Make sure you do not share the flannel with others, and wash it after you've used it.

Always wash your hands after touching your eyes to stop the infection spreading.

Avoid driving, cycling or using tools or machines while this is happening. If it lasts for more than a day or two, speak to your doctor as they may need to change your treatment.

Keep using the eye drops, but talk to your doctor if the advice on how to cope does not help and these side effects bother you or do not go away.

It's safe to use fusidic acid cream, ointment or eye drops while you're pregnant.

Very little of the medicine gets to your baby, and the small amount that does will not harm them.

It's OK to use fusidic acid cream, ointment or eye drops while you're breastfeeding. It's very unlikely that any fusidic acid will get into your breast milk.

Some fusidic acid creams also contain a steroid. It's still OK to use these creams while breastfeeding, but do not apply them directly to your breast.

When using the cream or ointment, be careful that your baby does not come into contact with the areas of your body you have put it on. Wash your hands after you have used it and before picking up your baby.

If you're using fusidic acid for impetigo and you need to put the cream or ointment on your breasts or nipples, wash it off before feeding your baby. It's usually better to use cream rather than ointment when breastfeeding, as it's easier to wash off. If you're using fusidic acid for another condition, do not apply it to your breast without first speaking to your doctor or a pharmacist.

It's very rare for breastfed babies to have side effects from medicines you're using. But it's important to keep monitoring your baby if you're using any medicine while breastfeeding.

Contact your healthcare professional or call 111 as soon as possible if you notice that your baby is not feeding as well as usual, has any unusual symptoms, or if you're worried about them.

There are no other medicines, herbal remedies or supplements known to cause problems if you take them at the same time as fusidic acid cream, ointment or eye drops.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, including herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.