Fuciskin Cream

Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) involve microbial invasion of the skin and underlying soft tissues. The challenge in management of SSTIs is to efficiently differentiate those cases that require immediate attention and intervention, whether medical or surgical, from those that are less severe.

Topical antibacterial therapy is an important component of therapeutic management  of skin and soft tissue infections. Fuciskin cream (Fusidic acid) has a steroid-like structure but no steroid side-effects. In topical form, its penetration is time-related and is comparable to glucocorticoids in diseased skin. Because of its significant absorption qualities, topical administration of fusidic acid results in much higher local concentrations than can be achieved with systemic administration, even at deeper layers of the epidermis or dermis thereby producing a better and faster therapeutic effect than its counterparts.

Dosage

Adults and children:

Uncovered lesions: apply gently three or four times daily; Covered lesions: less frequent applications may be adequate.

Mechanism of Action

Fusidic acid belongs to a unique group of antibiotics, the fusidanes, which act to inhibit bacterial protein synthesis by blocking the lengthening of factor G. This is to prevent it from associating with ribosomes and GTP, thus preventing energy supply to the synthesis process.

As it is the only type of drug available in this family of drugs, there have been no reports of cross resistance to fusidic acid.

Elimination

Fusidic acid is excreted mainly in the bile with little excreted in the urine.

Pharmacokinetics

In Vitro studies show that fusidic acid can penetrate intact human skin. The degree of penetration depends on factors such as the duration of exposure to fusidic acid and the condition of the skin.

Side Effects

Hypersensitivity, dermatitis and rash are the most common side effect.  A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.

Drug Interactions

No drug interactions have been identified

No effects during pregnancy are anticipated, since systemic exposure to topically applied fusidic acid/sodium fusidate is negligible. Topical fusidic acid 20mg/g cream can be used during pregnancy.

No effects on the breastfed new-born/infant are anticipated since the systemic exposure of the breast-feeding woman is negligible. Fuciskin cream can be used during breast-feeding but it is recommended to avoid applying it on the breast.

 Contraindications

Fuciskin cream should not be administered to patients with a known hypersensitivity to to the active substance.