Topical antibiotic (steroidal antibiotic) Pregnancy: Topical Fucidin can be used during pregnancy — no effects are anticipated, since systemic exposure to topically applied fusidic acid/sodium fusidate is negligible. It can also be used during breast-feeding, but it is recommended to avoid applying it on the breast. No clinical fertility studies; no effects in women of childbearing potential are anticipated.

Fusidic Acid 2% Cream

Brand names: Fucidin (2% cream, 2% ointment, 2% gel), Fucibet (fusidic acid 2% + betamethasone 0.1%)

Used in: Acute Red Eye

Fusidic acid 2% cream is a topical antibacterial used for localised skin infections such as impetigo and infected eczema, predominantly those caused by staphylococci.

Auto-extracted from the source labelling — not yet independently clinician-verified. These values were distilled from the UK SPC (or the US label where noted) but have not had a clinician sign-off. Confirm against the current SmPC before prescribing.

Adult dose

Dose: Apply gently to the affected area — uncovered lesions: three or four times daily

Route: Cutaneous (topical) use

Frequency: Uncovered lesions: three or four times daily. Covered lesions: less frequent applications may be adequate

Source is now the correct formulation for this page: Fucidin 20 mg/g cream, cutaneous use (this page is titled 'Fusidic Acid 2% Cream'; the strength is stated on the label as 20 mg/g and the percentage conversion is not made here) — the previous bundle for this id was the viscous EYE DROPS SPC and has been replaced. The SPC gives one instruction for both 'Adults and Paediatric population'; it states no quantity per application, no treatment duration and no maximum in section 4.2. Section 4.4: bacterial resistance among Staphylococcus aureus has been reported with topical Fucidin, and extended or recurrent use may increase the risk of antibiotic resistance and of contact sensitisation. Excipients butylhydroxyanisole, cetyl alcohol and potassium sorbate may cause local skin reactions (e.g. contact dermatitis); butylhydroxyanisole may irritate the eyes and mucous membranes, so use with care near the eyes; polysorbate 60 can cause allergic reactions. Fire hazard warning (section 4.4): instruct patients not to smoke or go near naked flames — fabric (clothing, bedding, dressings) that has been in contact with this product burns more easily and is a serious fire hazard; washing may reduce but not totally remove product build-up. Verbatim source posology: 'Adults and Paediatric population Uncovered lesions - apply gently three or four times daily. Covered lesions - less frequent applications may be adequate. Method of administration Cutaneous use.'

Dose auto-extracted from UK Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) via the eMC — not yet clinician-verified. Always confirm against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1

Side effects

Dermatitis (including contact dermatitis and eczema), rash, pruritus and erythema — uncommon (>=1/1,000 to <1/100)
Application site pain (including skin burning sensation) and application site irritation — uncommon
Hypersensitivity — rare (>=1/10,000 to <1/1,000)
Angioedema, urticaria and blister — rare
Conjunctivitis — rare. Overall frequency of undesirable effects in pooled clinical data (4724 patients on Fucidin cream or ointment) was 2.3%; frequency, type and severity in children are expected to be the same as in adults

Interactions

No interaction studies have been performed (section 4.5)
Interactions with systemically administered medicinal products are considered minimal, as systemic absorption of topical Fucidin is negligible

Clinical monograph

How it works

Fusidic acid inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by interfering with elongation factor G, preventing translocation on the ribosome.

Prescribing in practice

To limit emerging resistance, restrict use to short courses for clearly localised infection rather than prolonged or repeated application.
It is most active against Gram-positive organisms, particularly Staphylococcus aureus, and is not appropriate for Gram-negative infections.
Reserve combined topical steroid-fusidic acid products for infected inflammatory dermatoses rather than infection alone.

Monitoring

Review the infection for response within a few days and reassess or take swabs if it fails to improve, considering resistance.

Counselling the patient

Complete the short prescribed course and do not keep the cream for future use.
Wash hands before and after application and avoid sharing towels to prevent spread.
Return if the infection spreads, worsens or has not cleared after the course.

Evidence & guidelines

Antimicrobial stewardship guidance from NICE advises restricting topical fusidic acid to short courses to curb resistance.

Reference: NICE NG190 Atopic Eczema; NICE NG153 Impetigo; PHE Antimicrobial Stewardship Guidance; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. The structured dose values shown have been reviewed by a clinician. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Pathways