Fucidin Characteristics
Fucidin is an effective drug against several bacterial species. It is considered to be an antibiotic applied to the skin for the treatment of various skin infections caused by certain kinds of bacteria, as a rule, by Staphylococcus aureus.
Fucidin's active component is fusidic acid which works directly in the bacterial cells and prevents the production of essential proteins necessary for the growth and survival of the bacteria. It does not exactly eliminate the bacteria but it leaves them unable to increase in numbers. The existing bacteria eventually die or are destroyed by the immune system.
Fucidin belongs to the group of antibacterial drugs and is commonly used for the treatment of both primary skin infection diseases, such as impetigo, paronychia, sycosis, furuncles, carbuncles caused by the staphylococci bacteria and secondary skin infection diseases, such as secondarily infected wounds or secondarily infected dermatoses of different types, for example, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, eczema.
Fusidic acid is available in different forms. It comes forth either in topical preparations, such as Fucidin cream and ointment or there may be also oral formulations in the form of tablets and a suspension. Fusidic acid comes in the form of cream or ointment mostly for the treatment of the primary skin infection diseases. Fusidic acid in the form of tablets or a suspension is applied to while treating bone and joint infections, as well as soft tissue infection.
Fucidin should not be used by people allergic to fusidic acid and its salts or to any ingredients of the medication. Allergic reactions while applying Fucidin to the affected skin area include redness, swelling, rash and itching. These side effects are known to be associated with the medicine.
Dosage of Fucidin should be obtained from the doctor. Dosage may vary from person to person with regards to a variety of factors which conclude severity of the condition, age, body weight and other medical conditions. It is very important that this medication should be used exactly as prescribed by the doctor. If a patient forgets a dose the medication should be used as soon as the patient remembers. The doctors advise to skip the missed dose and carry on with the regular schedule without doubling up on doses.
Fucidin is not recommended to be used by pregnant women or in the breast-feeding period unless it is considered essential by the doctor. Still the possible risk of the medication crossing the placenta or passing into the milk remains.