Fusidic Acid

Registered South African indications:

• Staphylococcal conjunctivitis caused by susceptible organisms 

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or any of its excipients

Cautions

• Renal impairment
• Hepatic impairment
• Prolonged use
  - Extended use
  - Recurrent use
• Concomitant use of contact lenses (See additional prescribing points)

Forms avail. in SA and covered in this monograph: opd 

Dosages below include:

• International manufacturer recommendations
• South African manufacturer recommendations

Eye infections caused by: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus, Neisseria, Haemophilus, Moraxella and Corynebacteria

Specific doses based on individual indications

Please note that the dosages below should be used in combination with regional guidelines, taking into account local antibiotic sensitivities

International manufacturer recommendations

Treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis where the organism is known to be sensitive to the antibiotic

• Ophthalmic (opd): 1 drop, into the affected eye(s), 12hrly

Treatment should be continued for at least 48hrs after the eye returns to normal

South African manufacturer recommendations

Treatment staphylococcal conjunctivitis caused by susceptible organisms

• Ophthalmic (opd): 1 drop, into the affected eye(s), 12hrly

Treatment should be continued for two days after the eye returns to normal

Paed. forms avail. in SA and covered in this monograph: opd

Paed. dosages below include:

• International manufacturer recommendations
• South African manufacturer recommendations

Eye infections caused by: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus, Neisseria, Haemophilus, Moraxella and Corynebacteria

Specific doses based on individual indications

Please note that the dosages below should be used in combination with regional guidelines, taking into account local antibiotic sensitivities

International manufacturer recommendations

Treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis where the organism is known to be sensitive to the antibiotic

• See adult dosage

South African manufacturer recommendations

Treatment staphylococcal conjunctivitis caused by susceptible organisms

• See adult dosage

Pregnancy

• Safe
• No effects during pregnancy are anticipated since systemic exposure to fusidic acid eye drops is negligible. Fusidic acid eye drops can be used during pregnancy

Breastfeeding

• Compatible 
• No effects on the breastfed newborn/ infant are anticipated since the systemic exposure of the breastfeeding woman to fusidic acid is negligible. Fusidic acid eye drops can be used during breastfeeding

Fertility

• There are no clinical studies with fusidic acid eye drops regarding fertility
• No effects on women of childbearing potential are anticipated since systemic exposure to fusidic acid eye drops is negligible

Renal Impairment

• Caution; no information available 

Hepatic Impairment

• Caution; no information available 

Elderly

• No dose adjustment recommended

Porphyria Information

• Not porphyrinogenic (NP)

Drugs in Sport

• Permitted - No warnings

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders

• Eyelid oedema 
• Rash 
• Urticaria 

Immune, Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders

• Hypersensitivity 
• Angioedema 

Sensory Disorders

• Blurred vision (transient) 
• Increased lacrimation
• Application site pain 
  - Eye burning 
  - Eye stinging 
• Application site pruritus 
• Application site discomfort/ irritation 
• Aggravated conjunctivitis 

No information available

Systemic interactions are unlikely since systemic exposure after application of fusidic acid eye drops is negligible

None routine

Concomitant use of contact lenses

• Contact lenses should not be worn/ used when fusidic acid eye drops are used. The microcrystalline fusidic acid may cause scratches in the contact lens or cornea. Contact lenses are kept out until all symptoms of the infection have gone
• Fusidic acid eye drops contain benzalkonium chloride, which may cause eye irritation and discolour soft contact lenses

Directions for administration (for patients)

• As with any eye preparation, wash your hands before you administer fusidic acid viscous eye drops
• Remove the cap from the tube
• To administer fusidic acid viscous eye drops, stand or sit comfortably and tilt your head backwards
• Hold the tube above your eye
• Gently pull down your lower eyelid and squeeze one drop from the tube into your lower eyelid
• You may find a mirror useful when administering the drops
• Be careful not to touch the tip of the tube to your eye or other surfaces, so as to avoid contamination of tube contents
• Fusidic acid viscous eye drops come out of the tube as a single viscous drop, which quickly turns to liquid in your eye
• If the drops are for children, you may put the drops in their eyes when they are lying down or asleep

Fusidic acid is a potent antibacterial agent. Fusidic acid eye drops are active against a wide range of gram-positive organisms, particularly Staphylococcus aureus.

Spectrum of activity: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus, Neisseria, Haemophilus, Moraxella and Corynebacteria

Eye drops (per g) 10mg

• Fucithalmic (Pharmaco) originator

Also available in the following forms: Cream, ointment, suspension, tablet and injection.