Fucidin cream is an effective prescription-only antibiotic that is used to treat skin conditions and infections. It’s applied topically (directly to the skin) and works by stopping the growth of the germs causing the infection. The active ingredient in the cream is sodium fusidate or fusidic acid, and the treatment also comes in ointment and eye drop forms.

What is Fucidin Cream used for?

Fucidin Cream is used to treat skin conditions including:

• impetigo (a weeping, crusty and swollen patch of skin)
• boils
• spots
• abscesses
• carbuncles
• infected dermatitis (inflammation of the skin)
• infected cuts, grazes, wounds, burns and ulcers

We provide Fucidin Cream to treat impetigo.

What kind of medication is it?

Fucidin Cream is an antibiotic that is applied directly to the skin. It’s prescribed for infections caused by germs called staphylococcal bacteria. It’s available only on prescription and comes in 15g and 30g tubes.

What is the active ingredient?

The active ingredient in Fucidin Cream is sodium fusidate or fusidic acid 2%. Fusidic acid is a narrow-spectrum antibiotic (it can only kill certain types of bacteria) used for staphylococcal infections (infections of the skin).

Does it have any alternative names?

Fucidin Cream is also known as fusidic acid, fusidic acid cream and sodium fusidate.

Fucidin Cream works by stopping the growth of germs called staphylococcal bacteria. It does not kill the bacteria but stops them from getting larger and increasing in number. The bacteria then die or are killed by your immune system.

How does it work to treat impetigo?

Fucidin Cream works to treat impetigo by stopping the bacteria that cause the infection from growing or increasing in number. This bacteria is then easier for your immune system to deal with, so you recover from the infection quickly.

Impetigo is a very common bacterial infection of the skin that is highly contagious. It’s not usually serious and usually gets better in 7 to 10 days with treatment. If you think you have impetigo, you should see your GP. You may be given a phone appointment, as the condition is very infectious.

Symptoms include red sores or blisters (the redness is not so visible on brown or black skin).

The patches can:

• burst
• be painful
• get bigger
• spread across your body
• itch
• look flaky

Fucidin Cream stops the growth of the bacteria that cause impetigo and speeds up recovery.

How long does Fucidin Cream last?

A typical course of Fucidin lasts between 7 and 10 days. You should apply Fucidin Cream 3 or 4 times a day and complete your treatment as directed by your doctor.

How long does Fucidin Cream take to work?

You should notice an improvement in a few days. If you still have symptoms after your course has finished, you should see your doctor.

How effective is Fucidin Cream?

Fucidin Cream works well to treat impetigo. A 2001 study found that among children with impetigo, 55% of patients were cured within a week, compared with 13% in the placebo group.

Always wash and dry your hands before and after applying Fucidin Cream. Remove the cap, check the seal is not broken and use the point on the cap to break the seal of the tube. You should apply a thin layer of the cream to the affected area and gently rub it in.

It should be applied three or four times a day, as directed by your doctor. Your doctor will tell you how long the course of treatment should last; typically, it is 7–10 days. It’s important to complete the course, even if the infection appears to have gone.

You can buy Fucidin Cream online or from a pharmacy, but you will need a prescription from your doctor.

Can I buy Fucidin Cream online?

If you think you might need Fucidin Cream, you can order treatment online. You do not need to have had treatment before – just follow the steps below:

1. Start an order by clicking on the ‘Request Treatment’ button above.
2. Complete a short online assessment by answering questions about your health and lifestyle.
3. A Superdrug doctor will check your answers and approve treatment if it’s right for you.

If the treatments we offer are not right for you, you’ll get a message from a Superdrug doctor explaining this and offering advice on what to do next.

Can I buy Fucidin Cream over the counter?

No, you need a prescription for Fucidin Cream.

Can I get Fucidin Cream on the NHS?

Yes, Fucidin Cream is available on the NHS, but you will need a prescription from a GP.

Side effects from Fucidin Cream are rare, with only 2.3% of patients reporting adverse reactions

Uncommon side effects that occur in less than 1 in 100 of people include:

• skin reactions such as rashes
• pain
• irritation
• allergic reaction

Rare serious side effects occur in less than 1 in 1000 people but can include:

• hypersensitivity
• conjunctivitis
• blisters

How long do side effects last?

Most side effects of Fucidin Cream will usually last for the duration of your course, but they tend to be mild. If you get serious side effects, or find you can’t manage them, stop using Fucidin Cream and speak to your GP.

What should you do if you get side effects?

If the irritation is minor, you should continue using the cream, but speak to your doctor if it bothers you or you find it unmanageable.

Who can take Fucidin Cream?

Fusidic acid cream is safe for most adults and children, but you should not take it if you’re allergic to any of its ingredients. It does not affect any kind of contraception or your ability to drive or use heavy machinery. You can drink alcohol while using it, and there are no foods or drinks that you should avoid. It is safe for those breastfeeding or pregnant, although you should take extra care to wash your hands after using it.

Are there any dangers associated with Fucidin Cream?

Fucidin Cream can dry onto clothes or bedding, making them more likely to catch fire. Avoid smoking or naked flames while using it, and wash your clothes and bedding regularly to avoid build-up.

No.  There are no other medications that interact with Fucidin Cream.

There are alternatives to Fucadin Cream, and Impetigo can also clear up without using Fucidin Cream. Some studies suggest that aloe vera cream is an effective antimicrobial and it can help calm inflammation.

Fucidin Cream also comes in ointment and eye drop form if this is more suitable for you. You can also get fusidic acid combined with a steroid to help reduce swelling, redness or itchiness.

If your condition is particularly severe, Fusidic acid can be given as an injection, in liquid form or as tablets.