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Topical mild steroid + antibacterial

Hydrocortisone with fusidic acid

Brand names: Fucidin H

Used in: Anaphylaxis & Allergy Acute Red Eye

This combination cream contains the mild corticosteroid hydrocortisone with the antibacterial fusidic acid, used for inflammatory dermatoses such as eczema with secondary bacterial (predominantly staphylococcal) infection.

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

Hydrocortisone reduces cutaneous inflammation via glucocorticoid receptors, while fusidic acid inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by blocking elongation factor G.

Prescribing in practice

  • Restrict to short courses for infected inflammatory skin to reduce fusidic acid resistance and avoid steroid-related skin thinning; it is not for infection or inflammation alone.
  • Activity is mainly against Gram-positive organisms, particularly Staphylococcus aureus.
  • Avoid prolonged or repeated use on the face and flexures.

Monitoring

Review the response within a few days; reassess and consider swabs if the infected eczema fails to improve.

Counselling the patient

  • Apply thinly to affected areas for the short course only and do not keep leftover cream.
  • Wash hands after application unless treating the hands.
  • Return if the area worsens or has not cleared after the prescribed course.

Evidence & guidelines

NICE antimicrobial stewardship guidance supports short-course topical fusidic acid use to limit resistance in infected dermatoses.

Reference: NICE CG57; 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.

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