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What Is Fusidic Acid ? – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects

What Is Fusidic Acid ?/Fusidic Acid is a bacteriostatic antibiotic derived from the fungus Fusarium coccineum and used as a topical medication to treat skin infections. Fusidic acid acts as a bacterial protein synthesis inhibitor by preventing the turnover of elongation factor G (EF-G) from the ribosome. Fusidic acid is effective primarily on gram-positive bacteria.

Fusidic acid is a steroid antibiotic that is isolated from the fermentation broth of Fusidium coccineum. It has a role as a protein synthesis inhibitor, (pantothenate kinase) inhibitor, and an Escherichia coli metabolite. It is a 3alpha-hydroxysteroid, an 11alpha-hydroxysteroid, a sterol ester, a steroid acid, an alpha,beta-unsaturated monocarboxylic acid and a steroid antibiotic. It is the conjugate acid of a fusidate. It derives from a hydride of a 5alpha-cholestane.

Fusidic Acid is only found in individuals that have used or taken this drug. It is an antibiotic isolated from the fermentation broth of Fusidium coccineum. It acts by inhibiting translocation during protein synthesis. Fusidic acid works by interfering with bacterial protein synthesis, specifically by preventing the translocation of the elongation factor G (EF-G) from the ribosome. It also can inhibit chloramphenicol acetyltransferase enzymes.

Fusidate Sodium is a sodium salt form of fusidic acid, a bacteriostatic antibiotic derived from the fungus Fusarium coccineum and used as a topical medication to treat skin infections.

Synonyms

ácido fusídico
Fucidate
Fucidin acid
Fusidate
Fusidic acid
Fusidine
Rapamycin

Mechanism of Action of Fusidic Acid

Fusidic acid works by interfering with bacterial protein synthesis, specifically by preventing the translocation of the elongation factor G (EF-G) from the ribosome. It also can inhibit chloramphenicol acetyltransferase enzymes.

Fusidic Acid is only found in individuals that have used or taken this drug. It is an antibiotic isolated from the fermentation broth of Fusidium coccineum. (From Merck Index, 11th ed) It acts by inhibiting translocation during protein synthesis. Fusidic acid works by interfering with bacterial protein synthesis, specifically by preventing the translocation of the elongation factor G (EF-G) from the ribosome. It also can inhibit chloramphenicol acetyltransferase enzymes.

Compounds that inhibit the synthesis of proteins. They are usually ANTI-BACTERIAL AGENTS or toxins. Mechanism of the action of inhibition includes the interruption of peptide-chain elongation, blocking the A site of ribosomes, the misreading of the genetic code or the prevention of the attachment of oligosaccharide side chains to glycoproteins.

Indications of Fusidic Acid

For the treatment of bacterial infections.

Conjunctivitis, Bacterial
Mild Atopic dermatitis
Mild Dermatitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus
Moderate Atopic dermatitis
Moderate Dermatitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus
Fusidic acid is active in vitro against Staphylococcus aureus, most coagulase-positive staphylococci, Beta-hemolytic streptococci, Corynebacterium species, and most clostridium species. Fusidic acid has no known useful activity against enterococci or most Gram-negative bacteria. Fusidic acid is active in vitro and clinically against Mycobacterium leprae but has only marginal activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Topical fusidic acid is occasionally used as a treatment for acne vulgaris. As a treatment for acne, fusidic acid is often partially effective at improving acne symptoms. However, research studies have indicated that fusidic acid is not as highly active against Cutibacterium acnes as many other antibiotics that are commonly used as acne treatments. Fusidic acid is also found in several additional topical skin and eye preparations.
Fusidic acid is being tested for indications beyond skin infections. There is evidence from compassionate use cases that fusidic acid may be effective in the treatment of patients with prosthetic joint-related chronic osteomyelitis.

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Contraindications of Fusidic Acid

are allergic to betamethasone, fusidic acid, or any ingredients of this medication
are allergic to other corticosteroids (e.g., hydrocortisone, clobetasol)
have untreated infections of the skin caused by fungi or bacteria
have an internal fungal infection
have tuberculosis skin lesions or skin infections related to syphilis
have rosacea
have irritated skin around the mouth (perioral dermatitis)
have skin reactions after receiving vaccinations
have a viral disease such as herpes simplex, varicella (chickenpox), or vaccinia

Dosage Fusidic Acid

Strengths: Fusidic Acid 20mg/g Cream

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

For oral dosage form (tablets)

Osteomyelitis (bone and joint infections) or skin and soft tissue infections

Adults—500 mg (2 tablets) three times daily

For oral dosage form (suspension)

Osteomyelitis (bone and joint infections) or skin and soft tissue infections

Adults—15 milliliters three times daily
Children—Up to 1 year of age: 1 milliliter (mL) per kilogram DAILY divided into 3 equal doses; 1 to 5 years of age is 5 mL three times daily; 6 to 12 years of age is 10 mL three times daily.

For injection dosage form

Osteomyelitis (bone and joint infections) or skin and soft tissue infections

Adults—500 milligrams three times daily
Children—Up to 1 year of age to 12 years: 20 milligrams/kilogram DAILY divided into 3 equal doses, infused over at least 2 hours.

Side Effects Of Fusidic acid

More common

signs of a hole in the digestive system (e.g., severe abdominal pain, burning pain, nausea, vomiting, chills or fever)
the allergic reaction at the site of application, including redness, hives, swelling, rash, and/or itching
mild irritation at area of application
pain (only when medication is applied to deep leg ulcers)
skin blistering
symptoms of an eye infection (e.g., pink or red eyes, itchy eyes, eye discharge, crusts on the eyelids or lashes)
signs of a severe skin reaction such as blistering, peeling, a rash covering a large area of the body, a rash that spreads quickly, or a rash combined with fever or discomfort
Abnormal dreams
frequent urination
headache
itching, skin rash
loss of appetite
loss of energy or weakness
mental depression
muscle aches and pains
muscle trembling or twitching
seeing or hearing things that are not there
seizures
sore throat
stomach pain
swelling of the feet or lower legs
trembling and shaking of the hands
trouble sleeping
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness

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Common

signs of kidney problems (e.g., increased urination at night, decreased urine production, blood in the urine)
signs of liver problems (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools)
signs of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (e.g., personality changes, progressive weakness on one side of the body, changes in memory, confusion)
any mouth sores
changes in memory and orientation
cold or flu-like symptoms (such as fever or sore throat)
confusion
constipation
changes in mood or emotions
diarrhea
difficulty sleeping or nightmares
headache
loss of appetite
stomach pain
tiredness or fatigue
vomiting
weakness

Rare

signs of posterior encephalopathy syndrome (e.g., headache, seizures, visual disturbances, altered mental state)
signs of reduced red blood cells (e.g., fatigue, a general feeling of being unwell, weakness, dizziness, fainting, pale skin, pale stool)
swelling or tingling in your hands or feet
symptoms of high blood sugar (e.g., frequent urination, increased thirst, excessive eating, unexplained weight loss, poor wound healing, infections, fruity breath odor)
symptoms of a urinary tract infection (e.g., pain when urinating, urinating more often than usual, low back or flank pain)
Blurred vision
muscle cramps
numbness or pain in the legs
ringing in the ears
sweating

Drug Interactions of Fusidic Acid

Fusidic acid may interact with following drugs, supplements & may change the efficacy of drugs

Atorvastatin
Cholera Vaccine, Live
Pravastatin
Ritonavir
Saquinavir
Simvastatin
aldesleukin
ceritinib
deferasirox
hyaluronidase
other topical medications containing corticosteroids

Pregnancy Category of Fusidic Acid

FDA Pregnancy Category – C

Pregnancy

Fusidic acid is not approved for marketing in the United States by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration but is available in other countries as topical and systemic dosage forms. Data on excretion of fusidic acid into breastmilk are quite old and not from a well-designed study, but levels in breastmilk after intravenous fusidic acid appear to below.

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Breast-feeding

Using Fusidic Acid Cream topically and breastfeeding is unlikely to harm your baby. Fusidic Acid Cream may be used during breast-feeding but you should avoid applying it on your breast. You should only breast-feed your baby while using this medicine on the advice of your doctor. There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.