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Fusidic acid

Author:Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer

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Last updated on: 29.10.2020

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Synonym(s)

acidum fusidicum; CAS number: 6990-6-3; fusidic acid

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DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

Bacteriostatically active, lipophilic antibiotic with steroid structure (group of steroid antibiotics) which inhibits protein synthesis in bacteria (see structural formula). Fusidic acid is a fermentation product of Fusidium coccineum and belongs to the Fusidane family.

Half-lifeThis section has been translated automatically.

4–6 h

Spectrum of actionThis section has been translated automatically.

Bacteroides fragilis, clostridia, gonococcus, meningococcus, staphylococci.

IndicationThis section has been translated automatically.

Skin and soft tissue infections caused by bacteria sensitive to fusidic acid Sepsis, osteomyelitis, pneumonia. Fusidic acid can be combined with betalactam antibiotics.

Limited indicationThis section has been translated automatically.

Pregnancy, nursing.

Dosage and method of useThis section has been translated automatically.

  • Topical:
  • Eye drops: On the 1st day, every 4 hours apply 1 trp. then twice a day 1 trp. into the conjunctival sac.
  • Gauze: Leave for 2-3 days, change the overlying dressing daily.
  • Ointment/cream: Apply 1-3 times/day and cover with bandage.

  • Remember! High risk of sensitization with topical application!

  • Systemic (fusidic acid no longer plays an important role as a systemic therapeutic agent): Adults 3 times/day 1.5 g p.o. or 1.5-2 g i.v./day in 3-4 ED. Children 0.75-1.5 g p.o. or 20 mg/kg bw i.v./day in 3 sessions.

Standard concentrationThis section has been translated automatically.

2% as ointment and gel, 0.5% as solution, 1% as eye drops.

Undesirable effectsThis section has been translated automatically.

Stomach pains, nausea, jaundice, liver dysfunction, rarely granulopenia, thrombopenia. Rarely a slight burning sensation at the beginning of topical application. Rarely contact dermatitis.

PreparationsThis section has been translated automatically.

Fucidine ointment/gauze/cream, Fucithalmic eye drops; Fucidin tbl/ampoules are currently only available from the international pharmacy

Note(s)This section has been translated automatically.

In recent years, fusidic acid resistance has increasingly developed in Staphylococcus aureus. They are now at about 40% and thus have considerable therapeutic relevance (Edslev et al. 2018).

LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.

  1. Edslev SM et al(2018) Genomic analysis reveals different mechanisms of fusidic acid resistance in Staphylococcus
    aureus from Danish atopic dermatitis patients. J Antimicrob Chemother73:856-861.
  2. Mitra A et al (2008) High levels of fusidic acid-resistant Staphylococcus aureus despite restrictions on antibiotic use. Clin Exp Dermatol 34: 136-139

Authors

Last updated on: 29.10.2020

Author: Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer