Fucidin

Use of Fucidin

Fucidin treats infections of the skin caused by certain types of bacteria (Staphylococcus, streptococcus and Corynebacterium). Examples of these infections include impetigo (oozing, crusty sores), infected dermatitis (skin inflammation), eczema and spots, and infected cuts and grazes.

Can I Buy Fucidin Online?

The Online Clinic can prescribe Fucidin for skin infections online following the completion of a short medical questionnaire. This item is available for immediate dispensing and next day delivery.

What is Fucidin?

Fucidin is an antibiotic that contains the antibacterial agent, fusidic acid (cream preparation) or sodium fusidate (ointment preparation). This antibiotic prevents bacteria from making proteins, which are required for their growth and replication (increase in numbers). The bacteria eventually die or are broken down and removed by the body's defence system.

How to use Fucidin

Fucidin cream and ointment are for using on the skin only. They are not to be swallowed or to be put inside the body, and care should be taken to avoid the eyes. When using the medicine for the first time, remove the cap, ensure the seal is not broken, and then puncture the seal with the spike in the cap. Every time you use Fucidin, wash your hands before rubbing the medicine gently in to the affected area; then, unless you are treating your hands, wash your hands again after use.

Your doctor will explain how and when to use Fucidin. This medicine is often applied three or four time a day, but it may not be used as frequently if you have been advised to cover the area with a dressing. It is usual for you to complete the course of Fucidin, even if the infection appears to have cleared up. This is because of the risk of the infection returning and of the bacteria becoming resistant to Fucidin. However, the medicine should not be used for a longer period of time than the doctor has advised, as you may become sensitive to it and overuse may also result in bacterial resistance to Fucidin. Consult your doctor if the infection does not appear to be going away, is getting worse, or returns.

Who can use Fucidin?

Fucidin can be used by adults, adolescents and children. Fucidin should not be applied to the skin of people who are allergic to the active ingredient (fusidic acid or sodium fusidate) or to its other ingredients (which can cause local skin reactions and/or eye irritation and soreness).

Women should inform their doctor if they are pregnant or are breast feeding. There are no expected effects from using Fucidin during pregnancy or breast feeding. However, very small amounts are absorbed through the skin and so it is advisable not to apply the medicine over a long time period, in large quantities, or on the breast during breast feeding.

Fucidin side effects

Side effects most frequent experienced with Fucidin are skin reactions, such as various types of rashes, dermatitis and itching. Pain, burning, irritation and redness may occur at the site of application. However, all these effects occur in less than 1% of people using Fucidin cream or ointment. Rarely, conjunctivitis (pink, inflamed eyes) occurs.

Free Consultation for skin infections

Skin infections are treatable and easily remedied by an online consultation with one of our qualified doctors. Just click on the Free Consultation button.

Reviewed by: Dr Loraine Haslam MBBS, DRCOG, DFSRH, LoC SDI, LoC IUT, MRCGP
GMC registration number: 4524038
Date: 30 August 2022
Next review: 29 August 2024
All UK registered doctors can have their registration checked on
The Medical Register at the GMC website.

Information Leaflet

Source and further information

Download Fucidin Patient Information Leaflet