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Fucidin H

Common Name:

fusidic acid - hydrocortisone

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How does the Fucidin H medication work? What will it do for me?

This medication is a combination product containing 2 medications: fusidic acid and hydrocortisone. It is used to treat mild to moderately severe atopic (allergic) dermatitis rashes that are infected by a particular bacteria (Staph. aureus).

Fusidic acid belongs to the family of medications known as topical (applied to skin) antibiotics. It works by preventing the bacteria from reproducing, allowing the body’s defenses to get rid of the existing bacteria.

Hydrocortisone belongs to the family of medications known as corticosteroids. It works to reduce itching and inflammation of the infected area.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this
with your doctor or are not sure why you are using this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

What form(s) does the Fucidin H medication come in?

Each gram of white cream contains fusidic acid 2% and hydrocortisone acetate 1%. Nonmedicinal ingredients: butylated hydroxyanisol, cetyl alcohol, glycerol, liquid paraffin, potassium sorbate, polysorbate 60, white soft paraffin, and purified water.

How should I use the Fucidin H medication?

Fusidic acid – hydrocortisone should be applied 3 times daily and gently rubbed into the affected areas. This medication should be used for the shortest length of time possible. If the skin has not improved after 14 days, contact your doctor.

Avoid applying fusidic acid – hydrocortisone in or near the eye, as this medication may irritate the eye or cause problems with the eye, such as glaucoma or cataracts.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important that this medication be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Who should NOT take the Fucidin H medication?

Do not use this medication if you:

  • are allergic to fusidic acid, hydrocortisone, or any ingredients of this medication
  • have a skin infection caused by bacteria that is not affected by fusidic acid
  • have fungal infections
  • have skin eruptions after receiving a vaccination
  • have tuberculosis skin lesions or skin infections related to syphilis
  • have viral diseases that affect the skin such as herpes simplex, varicella (chickenpox) and vaccinia

What side effects are possible with the Fucidin H medication?

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who uses this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

  • burning skin
  • dry skin
  • increased hair growth at application site
  • irritation of the skin at application site
  • itching

Although most of the side effects listed below don’t happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

  • change in skin colour
  • thinning of the skin
  • worsening skin rash

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for the Fucidin H medication?

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Absorption: Applying this medication over large areas of damaged skin, in skin folds, or under dressings that do not breathe could promote the absorption of hydrocortisone into the blood circulation. This could produce unwanted effects similar to those seen after taking oral (by mouth) corticosteroid medications for long periods of time.

If you notice symptoms of using steroid medications for long periods of time, such as weakness, increased urination, increased thirst, fatigue, or weight loss, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Organism overgrowth: Use of antibiotics applied to the skin occasionally allows overgrowth of organisms that are not killed by the antibiotic. If the infection does not improve within a few days or seems to get worse at any time, contact your doctor.

If you have a severe skin infection or an infection that does not appear to heal with the use of a topical (skin-applied) medication, your doctor may recommend treatment with an oral or injectable antibiotic in addition to or instead of a topical medication.

Prolonged use: Using a topical corticosteroid medication for a long period of time can cause skin to thin or soften or cause stretch marks. If there is no improvement in your skin condition after using fusidic acid – hydrocortisone for 2 weeks, contact your doctor.

Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Fusidic acid passes into breast milk. It is not known whether hydrocortisone passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are using fusidic acid – hydrocortisone, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about
whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children under 3 years of age.

What other drugs could interact with the Fucidin H medication?

There may be an interaction between fusidic acid – hydrocortisone acetate and any of the following:

  • other topical (skin-applied) medications that contain corticosteroids

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

  • stop taking one of the medications,
  • change one of the medications to another,
  • change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
  • leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2021. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/Fucidin-H