Skip to content
ClinCalc Pro
Menu
Calculators Drugs Pathways AI Dx Donate Get the App
Topical antibiotic (steroidal antibiotic)

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.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

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. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators
Pathways