A topical antibiotic
Fusidic acid
A topical antibiotic used mainly for skin infections and some eye infections.
What is Fusidic acid?
Fusidic acid is an antibiotic used mainly as a cream or ointment for skin infections, and as drops or ointment for certain eye infections. It works by stopping bacteria from growing, which clears the infection. It is usually used for short courses to help limit antibiotic resistance.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Fusidic acid — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Fusidic acid is an antibiotic that, in the UK, is used mostly applied to the skin or eye rather than taken by mouth. As a cream or ointment it treats localised skin infections, and as eye drops or ointment it treats some bacterial eye infections such as conjunctivitis. It is particularly active against the type of bacteria that commonly cause skin and wound infections.
How it works
Fusidic acid works by stopping bacteria from making the proteins they need to grow and multiply. Without these proteins the bacteria cannot survive and spread, so the infection clears. Applied directly to the affected skin or eye, it delivers the antibiotic where it is needed while keeping the amount that enters the rest of the body low.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Originally developed by Leo Pharma..
Fusidic acid is an antibiotic derived from a fungus, introduced in the 1960s. In the UK it is used mainly as a cream or ointment for skin infections, and as drops or ointment for some eye infections.
Practical use
How to take Fusidic acid
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Wash and dry your hands before and after applying it.
- Apply a thin layer to the affected area as directed, or use the eye preparation as instructed.
- Use it only for the short course you have been given — do not keep using it long-term.
- Do not share the cream, ointment or eye preparation with anyone else.
- Avoid getting skin preparations in the eyes unless you have been given an eye-specific product.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Fusidic acid
Advantages
- Applied directly to the skin or eye, it targets the infection with little reaching the rest of the body.
- It is particularly effective against the bacteria that commonly cause skin infections.
- It is generally well tolerated and easy to apply.
Disadvantages
- Overuse or long courses can encourage bacterial resistance, so it is kept for short courses.
- It only treats the area it is applied to and is not suitable for deeper or widespread infections.
- It can occasionally cause skin irritation or an allergic skin reaction.
Practical use
Good to know
Fusidic acid is usually prescribed for short courses, because using it for longer or repeatedly can encourage bacteria to become resistant to it. Wash your hands before and after applying it, and do not share the cream, ointment or eye preparation with anyone else, as this can spread infection. Use it for as long as directed and no longer; if the infection has not improved by the end of the course, go back to your GP or pharmacist.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- Anyone who has had an allergic reaction to fusidic acid.
- People using it on the skin should not use it in the eyes unless given an eye-specific product.
- Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Monitoring
- No routine monitoring is needed for short topical courses.
- The infection should improve over the course — seek advice if it does not.
Side effects
- Mild stinging, itching or redness where it is applied.
- Blurred vision for a short time after using the eye ointment.
- Rarely, an allergic skin reaction.
Key interactions
- Few interactions when used on the skin or eye, as little is absorbed into the body.
- Tell your pharmacist about other creams or eye products you are using.
- If you have been given oral fusidic acid by a specialist, follow their separate advice on interactions.
Available as: cream, ointment and eye drops
Answers
Fusidic acid: frequently asked questions
What is fusidic acid used for?
It is a topical antibiotic used mainly for skin infections as a cream or ointment, and for some bacterial eye infections such as conjunctivitis as drops or ointment.
Why is it only used for short courses?
Using it for too long or too often can encourage bacteria to become resistant to it. Keeping courses short helps the antibiotic stay effective.
Can I share my cream with someone else?
No. You should not share the cream, ointment or eye preparation, as this can spread infection. Each person should have their own.
Can I use the skin cream in my eye?
No. Skin preparations are not made for the eye. If you need treatment for an eye infection, you should be given an eye-specific product.
What if the infection has not cleared?
If the infection has not improved by the end of the course, or gets worse, go back to your GP or pharmacist rather than continuing to use it.
The wider class
About Topical antibiotics
Fusidic acid belongs to the topical antibiotics class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.
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Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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