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Topical Antibiotic

Fusidic Acid 2% Cream/Ointment

Brand names: Fucidin

Topical fusidic acid cream or ointment is a narrow-spectrum antistaphylococcal antibiotic applied to localised superficial skin infection such as impetigo and infected minor wounds.

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 ribosomal translocation, and is particularly active against Staphylococcus aureus.

Prescribing in practice

  • Resistance emerges readily, so restrict topical use to short courses for localised infection and avoid repeated or prolonged application to limit selection of resistant staphylococci.
  • It is unsuitable as sole therapy for extensive or deep infection, which requires systemic antibiotics guided by culture.
  • Avoid application near the eyes unless an ophthalmic preparation is specifically indicated.

Monitoring

Monitor the treated area for clinical resolution and review the diagnosis if there is no improvement within a short defined course, in case of resistance or an alternative pathogen.

Counselling the patient

  • Apply a thin layer to the affected area only, for the short course prescribed, and do not continue once healed.
  • Wash your hands before and after applying, and avoid sharing towels to limit spread of infection.

Evidence & guidelines

UK antimicrobial stewardship guidance discourages widespread topical fusidic acid use because of well-documented staphylococcal resistance.

Reference: MHRA Drug Safety Update (Topical Fusidic Acid 2017); NICE CKS Impetigo; 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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