Fusidic Acid+halobetasol Propionate
About
Fusidic Acid+halobetasol Propionate is a dermatological medication primarily used to treat bacterial skin infections, such as eczema, dermatitis, folliculitis (inflammation of the follicles) and impetigo (red sores on the face). A bacterial infection is a condition in which harmful bacteria enter the body through the skin and cause infection. Atopic dermatitis is a skin condition in which the immune system becomes triggered, thereby causing inflammation, dry skin, itching, a skin rash that appears purple or grey or red in colour.
Fusidic Acid+halobetasol Propionate is composed of two medicines: Halobetasol propionate and Fusidic acid. Halobetasol propionate belongs to the class of corticosteroids. It blocks the production of prostaglandins (chemical messengers) that make the affected area red, swollen and itchy. On the other hand, Fusidic acid is an antibiotic that prevents the synthesis of essential proteins required by bacteria to carry out vital functions. Together, Fusidic Acid+halobetasol Propionate helps treat skin infections.
Your doctor will advise the appropriate dose that suits your infection. In some cases, Fusidic Acid+halobetasol Propionate may cause common side effects like itching, dryness, redness and a burning sensation at the application site. These side effects usually do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if you face any other symptoms or if the side effects persist longer, please consult your doctor.
Let your doctor know if you have/had any allergic reactions to Halobetasol propionate, Fusidic acid or other medications. Do not cover or wrap the treated area with bandages unless advised by your doctor. Do not use Fusidic Acid+halobetasol Propionate on sensitive areas like nostrils, ears, lips or genitals if the doctor did not advise you. In case Fusidic Acid+halobetasol Propionate comes in contact with eyes accidentally, rinse with water thoroughly. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should consult the doctor before starting Fusidic Acid+halobetasol Propionate.
Uses of Fusidic Acid+halobetasol Propionate
Medicinal Benefits
Fusidic Acid+halobetasol Propionate is used to treat bacterial skin infections, such as eczema and dermatitis. It consists of two medicines: Halobetasol propionate (corticosteroid) and Fusidic acid (antibiotic). Halobetasol propionate blocks prostaglandin's production (chemical messengers) that make the affected area red, swollen and itchy. It is used to treat inflammation and itchiness caused by eczema (inflamed and itchy skin), psoriasis (skin cells build up and form scales and itchy, dry patches), allergies and rash. On the other hand, Fusidic acid prevents the synthesis of essential proteins required by bacteria to carry out vital functions. It is used to treat infections like dermatitis (inflammation of the skin), spots, cuts, grazes, impetigo (weeping, crusty and swollen patch of skin) and folliculitis (inflammation of one or more hair follicles).
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Fusidic Acid+halobetasol Propionate
- Itching
- Dryness
- Redness
- Burning sensation
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you are pregnant, planning to conceive or a breastfeeding mother, please consult a doctor before using Fusidic Acid+halobetasol Propionate. Avoid smoking or going near naked flames since Fusidic Acid+halobetasol Propionate can catch fire and burn easily. Inform your doctor before using Fusidic Acid+halobetasol Propionate if you have diabetes, Cushing's disease (high cortisol levels), cataract or glaucoma, thyroid, pituitary diseases, heart, kidney or liver problems before using Fusidic Acid+halobetasol Propionate. Fusidic Acid+halobetasol Propionate is not recommended to use for diaper rash, since Halobetasol propionate in Fusidic Acid+halobetasol Propionate can be systemically absorbed and cause adrenal suppression, Cushing's syndrome and intracranial hypertension (pressure of the fluid that surrounds the brain).
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Fusidic Acid+halobetasol Propionate may interact with drugs treating HIV/AIDS (nelfinavir, ritonavir, cobicistat) and antifungals (ketoconazole, itraconazole).
Drug-Food Interaction: No interaction found/established.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Fusidic Acid+halobetasol Propionate should be used with caution in diabetes, Cushing's disease (high cortisol levels), cataract or glaucoma, thyroid and pituitary diseases, and heart, kidney or liver problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
safe if prescribedNo interaction was found/established. Please consult your doctor before using Fusidic Acid+halobetasol Propionate.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant or already pregnant before starting Fusidic Acid+halobetasol Propionate.
Breast Feeding
cautionThere are limited studies on how Fusidic Acid+halobetasol Propionate affects breastfeeding. Please consult the doctor before using Fusidic Acid+halobetasol Propionate if you are a nursing mother. However, it is advised not to use Fusidic Acid+halobetasol Propionate on breasts before breastfeeding your baby.
Driving
safe if prescribedFusidic Acid+halobetasol Propionate has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive or use machines.
Liver
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of liver diseases or hepatic impairment. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Fusidic Acid+halobetasol Propionate.
Kidney
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of kidney diseases. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Fusidic Acid+halobetasol Propionate.
Children
cautionFusidic Acid+halobetasol Propionate can be used in children below 12 years of age only under the doctor's supervision. Your doctor will decide the dosage based on the child's age and weight.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Use mild soap while taking baths and prefer warm baths.
- Regularly change your socks and wash your feet. Avoid shoes that make your feet sweaty and hot.
- Do not walk barefoot at places like gym showers to prevent bacterial infections.
- Do not scratch the affected area of the skin as it can spread the infection to other body parts.
- Avoid sharing towels, combs, bedsheets, shoes or socks with others.
- Wash your bedsheets and towels regularly.
- Avoid or limit the intake of alcohol and caffeine.
- Manage stress, eat healthily, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly and get plenty of sleep.
Special Advise
- It is advised to reach out to your doctor if the bacterial infection symptoms persist or worsen after two weeks of treatment.
- Monitor your blood glucose levels regularly since Halobetasol propionate in Fusidic Acid+halobetasol Propionate can cause a rise in blood sugar levels.
- If the medicine gets into your eyes, nose or mouth, rinse with cold water. It is better to consult your ophthalmologist to rule out the possibilities of cataract, glaucoma or any damage to the optic nerves.
- Do not apply tight dressings and bandages on the skin's affected areas after using Fusidic Acid+halobetasol Propionate unless the doctor advised.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bacterial infection: It occurs when bacteria enter the body through the skin. Bacterial skin infections are generally mild and can be treated using topical antibiotics. Few infections need treatment using an oral antibiotic. Symptoms of a skin infection include rashes, blisters, cracked/dry skin, itching, redness, swelling, stinging or burning sensation.
Eczema: It is a condition in which skin patches become inflamed, itchy, cracked and rough. Some eczema types can also lead to blisters (a small bubble on the skin filled with serum) and are caused by friction, burning, or other damage.
Dermatitis: It is a skin condition that causes itchy, dry skin or a rash on swollen, reddened skin.
FAQs
Fusidic Acid+halobetasol Propionate consists of Halobetasol propionate and Fusidic acid. Halobetasol propionate, a corticosteroid, works by blocking prostaglandin's production (chemical messengers) that make the affected area red, swollen and itchy. Fusidic acid is an antibiotic and prevents the synthesis of essential proteins required by bacteria to carry out vital functions.
Fusidic Acid+halobetasol Propionate is for topical (for skin) use only. Do not put bandage or dressing on the affected area while treating with Fusidic Acid+halobetasol Propionate unless the doctor advised. If the medicine gets into your eyes, nose, mouth or vagina, rinse with cold water. Do not apply Fusidic Acid+halobetasol Propionate on open wounds, lesions and blisters.
Please consult your doctor before using Fusidic Acid+halobetasol Propionate if you have viral/fungal skin infections, diaper rash, diabetes, Cushing's disease (high cortisol levels), cataract, glaucoma, heart, liver or kidney diseases. Let your doctor know if you are allergic to any of its components.
Fusidic Acid+halobetasol Propionate consists of Halobetasol propionate that can cause a rise in blood sugar levels by suppressing insulin secretion. Hence it is advised to consult your doctor before starting Fusidic Acid+halobetasol Propionate if you are diabetic.
Fusidic Acid+halobetasol Propionate is not recommended to use for diaper rash, since Halobetasol propionate in Fusidic Acid+halobetasol Propionate can be systemically absorbed and cause adrenal suppression, Cushing's syndrome and intracranial hypertension (pressure of the fluid that surrounds the brain). Your baby's paediatrician may suggest other medications for the treatment of diaper rash.
Fusidic Acid+halobetasol Propionate, when used for longer periods, can cause thinning and weakening of the skin. Please stop using Fusidic Acid+halobetasol Propionate and immediately consult your doctor if you notice these symptoms.
Please do not stop using Fusidic Acid+halobetasol Propionate on your own even if the symptoms are relieved until the full course advised by the doctor is finished.
