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.