Potent corticosteroid + antibacterial Pregnancy: Should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary — no or limited data on topical betamethasone valerate in pregnant women and animal studies have shown reproductive toxicity/foetal abnormalities; no effects are anticipated from fusidic acid as systemic exposure is negligible. Breast-feeding: can be used, but should not be applied to the breasts to avoid accidental ingestion by the infant.

Betamethasone with fusidic acid

Brand names: Fucibet

Used in: Acute Red Eye

A topical fixed-combination preparation of the potent corticosteroid betamethasone with the antibacterial fusidic acid, used for inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema where secondary staphylococcal infection is present.

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: A small quantity applied to the affected area

Route: Cutaneous (topical) use

Frequency: Twice daily until a satisfactory response is obtained

A single treatment course should not normally exceed 2 weeks. In more resistant lesions the effect can be enhanced by occlusion with polythene film — overnight occlusion is usually adequate. Limiting therapy with topical fusidic acid and betamethasone valerate to no more than 14 days at a time minimises the risk of developing antibiotic resistance and prevents the corticosteroid masking symptoms of infection due to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Long-term continuous topical therapy should be avoided. Use with care in children, who may show greater susceptibility to topical corticosteroid-induced HPA axis suppression and Cushing's syndrome than adults — avoid large amounts, occlusion and prolonged treatment. Use with care near the eyes and avoid contact with the eyes. Prolonged topical use may cause skin atrophy. Fire hazard: fabric (clothing, bedding, dressings) in contact with this product burns more easily — patients must not smoke or go near naked flames. Source SPC is for Fucibet Cream (fusidic acid with betamethasone valerate).

Dose auto-extracted from UK Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) via the eMC; US FDA prescribing information (openFDA / DailyMed) — cross-check; US labelling may differ from UK — not yet clinician-verified. Always confirm against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to fusidic acid/sodium fusidate, betamethasone valerate or to any of the excipients
Systemic fungal infections
Primary skin infections caused by fungi, virus or bacteria, either untreated or uncontrolled by appropriate treatment
Skin manifestations in relation to tuberculosis or syphilis, either untreated or uncontrolled by appropriate therapy
Perioral dermatitis and rosacea

Side effects

Uncommon: contact dermatitis, eczema (condition aggravated), skin burning sensation, pruritus (most frequently reported reaction), dry skin
Uncommon: hypersensitivity; application site pain and application site irritation
Rare: erythema, urticaria, rash (including erythematous and generalised rash); application site swelling and vesicles
Not known: withdrawal reactions — redness which may extend beyond the initially affected area, burning or stinging, itch, skin peeling, oozing pustules; blurred vision
Corticosteroid class effects: adrenal suppression with prolonged use; raised intra-ocular pressure, glaucoma or cataract after use near the eyes; skin atrophy, perioral dermatitis, striae, telangiectasia, rosacea, hypertrichosis, hyperhidrosis, depigmentation, ecchymosis

Clinical monograph

How it works

Betamethasone dampens cutaneous inflammation and immune response, while fusidic acid inhibits bacterial protein synthesis, active chiefly against Staphylococcus aureus.

Prescribing in practice

Topical fusidic acid use should be short and targeted because widespread or repeated exposure drives Staphylococcus aureus resistance.
Avoid prolonged use of the potent steroid on the face and flexures and avoid occlusion, which raises absorption.
Reserve for clinically infected inflammatory dermatoses rather than routine eczema maintenance.

Monitoring

Reassess after a short defined course, stopping the antibacterial once infection is controlled and switching to a plain emollient or steroid for ongoing eczema.

Counselling the patient

Use only for the limited period advised and do not keep treating once the skin has settled.
Apply thinly to affected skin and avoid the eyes.

Evidence & guidelines

Antimicrobial stewardship guidance and the SPC support short, targeted courses of topical fusidic acid to limit resistance.

Reference: NICE NG198; BAD; 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