Fusidic acid Oral, Injection Advanced Patient Information - Drugs.com

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# Fusidic acid

## Commonly used brand name(s)

In Canada

- Fucidin Suspension

## Uses for fusidic acid

Fusidic acid is a substance that is used to treat bacterial infections. It will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections.

Fusidic acid is available only with your doctor's prescription.

## Before using fusidic acid

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For fusidic acid, the following should be considered:

### Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to fusidic acid or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

### Breastfeeding

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.

### Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking fusidic acid, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using fusidic acid with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

- Atorvastatin
- Cholera Vaccine, Live
- Pravastatin
- Ritonavir
- Saquinavir
- Simvastatin

### Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

### Other medical problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of fusidic acid. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

- Liver disease—May be worsened by fusidic acid

## Proper use of fusidic acid

### Dosing

The dose of fusidic acid will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of fusidic acid. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

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.

### Missed dose

If you miss a dose of fusidic acid, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

### Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

## Precautions while using fusidic acid

If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This especially includes nonprescription medicines, such as aspirin, and medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus problems.

## Fusidic acid side effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- yellow eyes or skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

- Loss of appetite
- nausea
- abdominal or stomach pain
- increase in bowel movements
- loose stools

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

## Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer