How and when to use fusidic acid - Brand name: Fucidin

Always follow the instructions from a pharmacist or doctor, or the leaflet in the medicine packet.

Dosage and how to use fusidic acid

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.

How to use cream or ointment

1. Always wash your hands before using fusidic acid cream or ointment. Unless you're using the cream or ointment to treat your hands, always wash your hands afterwards, too.
2. Remove the cap. Check the seal is not broken before you first use the cream or ointment. There is a small spike in the top of the cap – push this spike through the seal on the tube.
3. Put a thin layer of cream or ointment onto the infected area and gently rub it on.
4. Be careful to avoid your eyes if you use it on your face.

If you get any medicine in your eye, wash it out with cold water straight away, then bathe your eye with eyewash if possible. Your eye may sting.

If you start to have any problems with your sight or your eye is sore, contact your doctor immediately.

How to use eye drops

1. Always wash your hands before using fusidic acid eye drops.
2. Take the cap off the tube when you're ready to use the medicine. Check that the seal is not broken before you first use the eye drops.
3. It's important that the tip of the tube does not touch your eye.
4. Tilt your head back. Pull your lower eyelid down gently. Hold the tube over your eye and look up. Squeeze 1 drop into your lower eyelid. It may help to use a mirror.

You might get some blurred vision straight after putting the drop into your eye, but this should clear after a few minutes.

If the eye drops are for a child, it might be easier to put the drops in while they're asleep or lying down.

If you normally wear contact lenses, wear your glasses instead until your symptoms have completely gone. Wait for 24 hours after the last dose of eye drops before using your contact lenses again. The eye drops can damage some contact lenses.

How long to use it for

Your condition should start to improve a few days after you start treatment.

But it's very important to use the medicine for as long as your doctor has told you to use it. There may still be some bacteria on your skin or in your eye, even if it looks normal again.

Treatment with fusidic acid cream or ointment is usually for 1 or 2 weeks, although you'll sometimes use it for longer.

If you're using fusidic acid eye drops, you'll usually carry on using them for at least 48 hours after you feel better and your eye looks normal. This will help make sure that all the bacteria have been killed.

Do not keep the eye drops for more than one month after you first open them. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of the rest of the medicine correctly.

If you forget to use it

If you forget to use fusidic acid, use it as soon as you remember. Then continue to use it at the usual time.

If you use too much

If you use too much fusidic acid cream, ointment or eye drops, or if you get some in your mouth, it's unlikely to harm you.

Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you're worried, or if you or your child swallow a lot of the medicine.