What is fusidic acid?

• Fusidic acid, or Fusidin (name brand), is a commonly prescribed antibiotic medication that is used to treat bacterial infections. As with all antibiotics, it is not effective against viral infections.
  
  Fusidic acid is available in a liquid oral solution, tablet and injection form. It is also available as an opthalmic drop for infections of the eye and as a topical cream for skin infections.
  
  

What are the common side effects of fusidic acid?

• As with any medication, fusidic acid can produce some unwanted side effects when taken. Most of these are minor and do not cause enough discomfort for people to stop taking fusidic acid.
  
  The most common side effects associated with fusidic acid use are edema in the legs, dizziness, headache, skin rashes (allergies), diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, weight loss and heartburn.
  
  When taken as an injection, irritation at the injection site, including redness and pain, has been reported.
  
  When taken in eye drop form, blurred vision (temporary), eyelid swelling, tearing and stinging are common.
  
  

Drug interractions and contraindications

• Patients with impaired liver function should exercise extreme caution and remain under the close care of a doctor while taking fusidic acid.
  
  Patients taking the drug Rifampin may experience jaundice while taking fusidic acid. If yellowing of the eyes or skin should occur while taking fusidic acid, whether or not you are on Rifampin, consult your physician immediately. This indicates that the liver is not properly functioning and medical attention is required.
  
  Fusidic acid is excreted in breast milk and is passed from pregnant mothers to their fetuses. Consult with your physician to weigh the risks with the benefits of taking fusidic acid if you are pregnant or breastfeeding a baby.
  
  Patients who are sensitive or allergic to fusidic acid shouldn't take it. Consult with your physician if you have concerns regarding your past experiences with this medication.
  
  

Allergic reaction

• If you should have sudden difficulty breathing while taking fusidic acid, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911. This is a sign of a rare but serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. If left untreated, it can lead to death.
  
  

What else should I know?

• Some patients report upset stomachs and heartburn while taking fusidic acid. To minimize abdominal discomfort, take fusidic acid with food.
  
  Be sure to take your fusidic acid for the entire duration prescribed by your physician. Stopping this medication early, even if you've already started to feel better, can result in a relapse of infection.