fusidic acid hemihydrate at a glance
Medicine class
Ophthalmic antibiotic
Licensed use
Bacterial conjunctivitis caused by susceptible organisms
Form
Sterile viscous drops that become more liquid in the eye
Contact lenses
Do not wear contact lenses during treatment; use glasses instead
Driving
Wait until any temporary blurred vision has cleared
What is fusidic acid hemihydrate used for?
These eye drops are licensed for local treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis when the infecting organism is susceptible to fusidic acid.
Bacterial conjunctivitis caused by susceptible bacteria
How does fusidic acid hemihydrate work?
Fusidic acid disrupts bacterial protein production, stopping bacterial growth. The viscous formulation remains in contact with the conjunctival sac before becoming more liquid in the eye.
fusidic acid hemihydrate preparations and strengths
Eye drops
Route: Ophthalmic
Strengths: 1%, 1% w/w
How to take fusidic acid hemihydrate
Use only in the eye and follow the dispensing label. Food and drink do not affect ophthalmic fusidic acid.
Wash and dry your hands before use.
Check that the tube seal is intact before first use.
Tilt your head back, gently pull down the lower eyelid and instil the drop into the lower-lid pocket.
Do not let the tube tip touch the eye, eyelid or another surface.
The thick drop becomes more liquid after entering the eye.
For a child, administration while lying down or asleep may be easier.
Keep the tube tightly closed and discard it one month after first opening.
fusidic acid hemihydrate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Temporary blurred vision
- Burning or stinging in or around the treated eye
- Eye itching, soreness, dryness, irritation or discomfort
Get urgent medical advice
- Persistent burning or stinging
- Worsening conjunctivitis
- Eyelid or facial swelling, hives or another significant rash
- Breathing or swallowing difficulty suggesting a severe allergic reaction
fusidic acid hemihydrate in pregnancy
Fusidic acid eye drops can be used during pregnancy because systemic exposure from ophthalmic use is very low. Tell the prescriber or pharmacist if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.
fusidic acid hemihydrate while breastfeeding
Fusidic acid eye drops can be used while breastfeeding. Clinically important exposure of the breastfed infant is not expected because maternal systemic absorption is negligible. Seek advice if the baby develops unusual symptoms or feeds less well.
fusidic acid hemihydrate interactions
Systemic interactions are unlikely after ophthalmic use because exposure outside the eye is negligible.
Other medicines, herbal remedies and supplements
No interactions are known to cause problems with fusidic acid eye drops, but tell the prescriber or pharmacist about everything you use.
Common questions about fusidic acid hemihydrate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is fusidic acid hemihydrate an antibiotic?
Yes. In this formulation it is an ophthalmic antibiotic used locally in the eye.
What eye infection does it treat?
It is licensed for bacterial conjunctivitis caused by organisms susceptible to fusidic acid.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.