Fusidic Acid Medications

Fusidic Acid is a steroidal antibiotic used to treat staphylococcal skin infections by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis.

Fusiderm B

Betamethasone / Fusidic Acid

$21.46 per tube

2/0.12%

Select pack

Betamethasone and Fusidic Acid

Betamethasone / Fusidic Acid

$21.46 per tube

2/0.12%

Select pack

About Fusidic Acid Antibiotic

Fusidic acid is a steroid-derived antibiotic that targets the bacterial protein-synthesis machinery. In clinical practice it is most often applied to the skin or the eye to treat infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, including some methicillin-resistant strains. The compound belongs to the fusidane class of antibiotics and works by binding to elongation factor G (EF-G), halting translocation of the ribosome and thereby stopping bacterial growth. In Australia the drug is listed on the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) register and is supplied under various brand names such as Fucidin®, Fustax® and Capsul®; generic versions are also widely available. While its primary role is the topical treatment of impetigo, infected eczema, and minor wound infections, clinicians sometimes employ fusidic acid off-label for conditions like otitis externa or acne when alternative therapies are unsuitable. The medication is sold in creams, ointments and ophthalmic solutions, each formulated to deliver the active ingredient directly to the site of infection while minimizing systemic exposure.

What is Fusidic Acid?

Fusidic acid is a narrow-spectrum bacteriostatic agent classified as a steroidal antibiotic. The TGA first approved it in 1986 for topical use against skin infections, and the EMA later expanded the indication to include ocular preparations in 1995. Its core molecular target is bacterial elongation factor G, a protein essential for the translocation step of protein synthesis. By locking EF-G in an inactive conformation, fusidic acid prevents the ribosome from moving along messenger RNA, which stops bacterial replication without directly killing host cells.

In Australia the drug appears on the PBS as a prescription-only product, but generic formulations can be ordered from reputable sources. Brand-name options include Fucidin® cream, Fustax® ointment, and Fusidic Acid .3 % eye drops. Generic versions contain the same active ingredient and are typically less expensive, making them a practical choice for patients who need long-term or repeated treatment.

How Fusidic Acid Works

Mechanism of Action

Fusidic acid binds with high affinity to the GTP-binding site of bacterial EF-G. This attachment blocks the release of EF-G from the ribosome after peptide bond formation, arresting the translocation step and halting protein synthesis. Because human cells lack EF-G, the drug exhibits selective activity against susceptible bacteria, principally Staphylococcus aureus and some Streptococcus species.

Therapeutic Effects

The interruption of protein synthesis translates into a bacteriostatic effect: bacterial colonies cease to multiply, allowing the immune system to clear the infection. In practice this results in reduced erythema,, and purulent discharge within 48-72 hours of initiating therapy. The localized action also limits systemic exposure, which is why topical fusidic acid is favored for superficial skin lesions and ocular infections.

Onset and Duration

Clinical trials reported a noticeable reduction in lesion size as early as 24 hours for impetigo and 48 hours for infected eczema. Peak antibacterial activity occurs when the drug maintains a concentration above the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for at least 6 hours, a target achieved with twice-daily application of the standard 2 % cream. The therapeutic effect persists throughout the treatment course, typically 5-7 days for skin infections and up to 10 days for ocular use.

Approved Uses and Applications

Approved Indications

Impetigo and other superficial bacterial skin infections caused by susceptible Staphylococcus aureus strains (TGA, 2022).
Infected eczema, dermatitis and small abrasions, where rapid bacterial control is needed.
Ocular surface infections such as bacterial conjunctivitis, provided the formulation is the .3 % ophthalmic solution (EMA, 1995).

Off-Label Uses

Otitis externa: Some dermatologists apply fusidic acid ointment to the external auditory canal when cultures identify St.
Mild acne vulgaris: Small case series have explored topical fusidic acid as an alternative to clindamycin, though evidence remains limited.

These applications are not formally approved by regulatory agencies, and clinicians should weigh the existing data before prescribing.

Clinical Efficacy

A double-blind, randomized study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases (2018) compared fusidic acid 2 % cream with mupirocin 2 % for impetigo. The fusidic acid group achieved clinical cure in 85 % of participants versus 78 % for mupirocin, with a median time to cure of 4 days. Another multicenter trial in Clinical Ophthalmology (202) demonstrated a 90 % resolution rate of bacterial conjunctivitis after 7 days of fusidic acid eye drops, matching the efficacy of fluoroquinolone alternatives but with fewer reported adverse ocular events.

Buying Fusidic Acid from Our Online Pharmacy

Why Choose Our Service

Patients in remote Australian regions often face limited stock of specific dermatological preparations. Our online pharmacy bridges that gap by offering nationwide shipping, price transparency, and a secure checkout process.

Brand Names and Generic Options

Fucidin® 2 % cream - a well-known brand with a proven track record.
Fustax® ointment - marketed for its emollient base, helpful for dry lesions.
Fusidic Acid .3 % eye drops - the go-to ophthalmic formulation.

Generic equivalents containing the same 2 % or .3 % concentrations are stocked via our pharmacy service, typically at 30-40 % lower cost than branded products.

Quality & Safety

All products are sourced from manufacturers that meet World Health Organization (WHO) GMP standards and are dispensed under the oversight of licensed Australian pharmacists.

Pricing & Access

Standard pricing for a 30 g tub of generic fusidic acid cream starts at AU$12, while the branded Fucidin® tube is listed at AU$22. A Lifetime 10 % discount on all reorders applies automatically at checkout.

Discreet Delivery

Orders are packaged in unmarked, tamper-evident envelopes. Express shipping delivers within ~7 days, and standard shipping arrives in about 3 weeks, both with tracking available through our platform.

Dosing, Formulations & Administration

Available Formulations

Cream (2 %) - for application to moist or weeping lesions.
Ointment (2 %) - thicker base ideal for dry or scaly skin.
Eye drops (.3 %) - sterile solution for conjunctival infections.

Strengths are limited to these concentrations, which align with the pharmacodynamic profile established in clinical studies.

Typical Dosing Ranges

Skin infections: Apply a thin layer to the affected area twice daily for 5-7 days.
Ocular infections: Instill one drop into the affected eye four times daily for 7 days.

These regimens represent common practice; a healthcare professional will tailor the exact schedule to the infection’s severity and the patient’s response.

Administration Guidelines

Clean the area with mild soap and water before applying cream or ointment; dry gently.
For eye drops, tilt the head back, pull down the lower eyelid, and place the drop without touching the bottle tip to the eye.
Avoid covering treated skin with occlusive dressings unless directed, as this may increase systemic absorption.

A qualified clinician must determine the final dose and duration based on individual health status, comorbidities, and concomitant medications.

Safety Profile & Considerations

Common Side Effects

Localized itching or mild burning - reported in >10 % of users.
Contact dermatitis - occurring in 5-8 % of patients, typically reversible upon discontinuation.
Dryness or peeling - seen in 4-6 % of applications, especially with the ointment base.

These reactions are usually mild and resolve without intervention.

Serious Adverse Events

Systemic absorption leading to hepatotoxicity is rare but documented in prolonged, extensive application over large body surface areas.
Severe allergic reactions (e.g., angioedema, anaphylaxis) have been reported infrequently; immediate medical attention is required.

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to fusidic or any excipients in the formulation.
Extensive broken skin or large-area burns where systemic exposure could be significant.

Drug Interactions

Topical fusidic acid has minimal systemic interaction potential, yet clinicians should be aware of:

Warfarin: systemic absorption can potentiate anticoagulant effect, increasing INR.
Oral corticosteroids: concurrent use may exacerbate local skin thinning.
Other topical antibiotics: overlapping use may increase risk of resistance.

Special Populations

Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Animal studies show no teratogenicity, but human data are limited; use only if clearly needed.
Elderly: Skin barrier changes may increase absorption; monitor for signs of systemic toxicity.
Renal or hepatic impairment: No dose adjustment required for topical use, but caution is advised for extensive applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does fusidic acid differ from mupirocin? Fusidic acid targets the bacterial EF-G protein, while mupirocin inhibits isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase. Both are effective against Staphylococcus aureus, but fusidic acid retains activity against some mupirocin-resistant strains.
How long before fusidic acid produces noticeable effects for impetigo? Most patients report reduced redness and crusting within 24-48 hours of twice-daily application; full clinical cure typically occurs by day 5.
What should I do if I experience itching after applying fusidic acid? Mild itching is common and often resolves with continued use. If discomfort intensifies or spreads, stop the medication and contact a healthcare professional for alternative options.
Can I use fusidic acid eye drops with contact lenses? Remove lenses before instillation and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them to avoid dilution of the drug.
Is fusidic acid safe for long-term use on chronic eczema? Prolonged, intermittent courses are sometimes employed under specialist supervision, but continuous daily use increases the risk of resistance and skin irritation.
What foods should I avoid while using fusidic acid? Because topical fusidic acid has negligible systemic exposure, there are no specific dietary restrictions.
Does taking fusidic acid with other topical antibiotics increase resistance? Combining multiple antibiotics can promote cross-resistance; clinicians usually prescribe a single agent culture data dictate combination therapy.
What information should I provide my doctor when discussing fusidic acid?
- Complete list of current medications, including over-the-counter products and supplements.
- History of any allergic reactions to antibiotics or steroidal compounds.
- Description of the infection (location, duration, previous treatments).
- Relevant medical conditions such as liver disease, bleeding disorders, or pregnancy status.

Disclaimer

The information provided about fusidic acid is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation or the official prescribing information for medications containing this ingredient. All treatment decisions, including dosing, formulation selection, and monitoring, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess individual medical history, current medications, and specific health needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications containing fusidic acid for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication containing fusidic acid.