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 cellulitis and impetigo, and eye infections including conjunctivitis (red, itchy eyes).
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.
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.
- The most common side effects of fusidic acid eye drops are dry, sore, itchy or stinging eyes. You may also get blurred vision. It's unusual to get side effects with fusidic acid cream or ointment, but some people get skin irritation.
- Treatment with fusidic cream or ointment is usually for 1 or 2 weeks, although sometimes it can be used for longer.
- Use fusidic acid eye drops for at least 48 hours after you feel better and your eye looks normal.
- It's important to finish your full course of treatment, to stop the infection coming back.