fusidic acid + hydrocortisone acetate at a glance
Medicine class
Topical antibiotic plus mild corticosteroid
Usual role
Treats inflammation and secondary bacterial infection in eczema or dermatitis
How it is used
Applied only to affected skin as prescribed; avoid the eyes and internal use
Fire safety
Keep treated skin and contaminated fabrics away from cigarettes and naked flames
What is fusidic acid + hydrocortisone acetate used for?
Licensed uses include eczema and dermatitis with a secondary bacterial infection where the bacteria are known or expected to be sensitive to fusidic acid.
Atopic eczema
Primary irritant dermatitis
Allergic dermatitis
Seborrhoeic dermatitis
How does fusidic acid + hydrocortisone acetate work?
Fusidic acid inhibits susceptible bacteria, particularly staphylococci. Hydrocortisone acetate reduces inflammatory and immune activity in the skin, helping relieve redness, swelling and itching.
How to take fusidic acid + hydrocortisone acetate
Use only on the skin and as prescribed.
Wash your hands before application and gently rub the cream onto affected skin.
Wash your hands afterwards unless they are being treated.
Avoid the eyes, mouth, mucous membranes and open wounds unless specifically directed.
If it enters an eye, rinse promptly with cold water; seek medical help for persistent soreness or vision problems.
Use under a dressing, bandage or nappy only when directed because covering can increase absorption.
Keep treated skin, clothing, bedding and dressings away from smoking materials and naked flames.
fusidic acid + hydrocortisone acetate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Itching, burning or irritation where applied
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including breathing difficulty or swelling of the face or throat
- Blurred vision, eye pain or another visual disturbance
- Marked worsening, spreading redness, intense burning, peeling or oozing after stopping
- Possible systemic corticosteroid effects with excessive absorption, including adrenal suppression
fusidic acid + hydrocortisone acetate in pregnancy
It can be used during pregnancy when clinically needed. A doctor or pharmacist should confirm that treatment is appropriate, particularly for large skin areas or repeated treatment.
fusidic acid + hydrocortisone acetate while breastfeeding
Topical fusidic acid and hydrocortisone are generally compatible with breastfeeding because maternal absorption is expected to be very low. Do not apply this combination to the breast, prevent the baby contacting treated skin, and wash your hands after application.
fusidic acid + hydrocortisone acetate interactions
Formal interaction studies have not been performed. Important interactions with medicines taken systemically are considered unlikely because topical exposure is low.
Common questions about fusidic acid + hydrocortisone acetate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is it used for?
It treats inflamed eczema or dermatitis affected by a secondary bacterial infection susceptible to fusidic acid.
Is it an antibiotic or a steroid?
Both. Fusidic acid is an antibiotic and hydrocortisone acetate is a mild corticosteroid.
Can it treat any infected rash?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.