Fusidic acid: what it treats and how to use it safely
Fusidic acid is an antibiotic mainly used on the skin and for eye infections. You’ll most often see it as a cream or ointment for impetigo, infected cuts, infected eczema or small localized staph infections. There are also eye drops and, less commonly, tablets or injections when a doctor decides a systemic antibiotic is needed. It works by stopping bacteria from making proteins they need to grow.
How to use fusidic acid correctly
For skin infections, wash and dry the area first. Apply a thin layer of cream or ointment to the affected skin and surrounding 1 cm of healthy skin, usually two to three times a day. Cover with a dressing only if your doctor tells you to. Use the full course even if the rash or sore looks better after a few days — stopping early can let bacteria come back and become harder to treat.
For eye drops, tilt your head back, pull down the lower eyelid, squeeze one drop into the pocket and close your eye for 30 seconds. If you use other eye drops, wait at least five minutes between products. For oral or injected fusidic acid, follow the exact dose and timing your prescriber gives you — pills and injections can affect the liver and interact with other medicines.
Side effects, warnings and interactions
Topical side effects are usually mild: local redness, itching or a stinging feeling at the site. If you get a rash, swelling, severe itching, or breathing difficulty, stop using it and seek medical help. Systemic use (tablets or injections) can cause nausea, diarrhea, and rarely raised liver tests or jaundice. Tell your prescriber if you have liver disease before taking systemic fusidic acid.
Systemic fusidic acid can interact with other medicines. Notably, it may increase the risk of serious muscle problems if taken with some cholesterol drugs (statins). It may also affect blood thinners and other prescription drugs. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine and supplement you take.
Resistance can develop if fusidic acid is used alone for long periods or used inappropriately. That’s why doctors often limit treatment length or choose a different antibiotic for more serious infections. Don’t save leftover cream for later infections or share it with others.
Store creams and drops at room temperature away from direct heat. Check the expiry date and throw away open eye drop bottles after the time recommended on the label. Pregnant or breastfeeding? Topical use usually has low absorption, but check with your doctor before using any antibiotic.
If the infection spreads, you develop fever, the area gets much worse, or symptoms don’t improve after a few days, see a doctor. Short, correct courses of fusidic acid work well for many minor skin and eye infections, but proper use matters to avoid side effects and resistance.
