This medication is used to treat infections of the eye.
Fusidic acid is an antibiotic that works by stopping the growth of
bacteria.
This medication treats only bacterial eye infections. It
will not work for other types of eye infections. Unnecessary use or misuse
of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start using fusidic acid and each time you get a
refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Use this medication in the affected eye(s) as directed
by your doctor, usually every 12 hours.
Do not wear contact lenses while you are using this
medicine. Sterilize contact lenses according to manufacturer's directions,
and check with your doctor before you begin using them
again.
To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid
contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any
other surface. Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the lower
eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place 1
drop into the pouch. Look downward and gently close your eyes for 1 to 2
minutes. Place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose) and
apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining out.
Try not to blink and do not rub your eye.
Repeat these steps if applying this medication to your
other eye. Even though you may have an infection in only one eye, your
doctor may direct you to treat both eyes so that the healthy eye does not
become infected as well. Do not rinse the dropper. If you are using the
multi-dose tube, replace the cap after each use. If you are using the
single-dose dropper, discard the dropper after using.
You may notice a white powder around your eye that forms
as the drop dries. This is normal and not harmful. You may wipe the powder
away with a soft tissue or cotton pad.
If the doctor has directed you to give the drops to a
child, you may put the drops in their eyes when they are lying down or
asleep.
If you are using another kind of eye medication (such as
drops or ointments), wait at least 5 to 10 minutes before applying other
medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the drops to enter
the eye.
Wait several minutes for your vision to clear before
driving or operating machinery.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Continue
to use this medication for the full time prescribed, even if symptoms
disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in
a return of the infection.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse
after 7 days.
Temporary eye irritation/stinging/watering or blurred
vision may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your
doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods
may result in other types of eye infections. Do not use it for longer than
prescribed. Contact your doctor if you notice new or worsening eye
symptoms.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using fusidic acid, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as preservatives like
benzalkonium chloride), which can cause allergic reactions or other
problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- other eye problems
- contact lens use
After you apply this drug, your vision may become
temporarily blurred. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs
clear vision until you can do it safely.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone
has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble
breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US
residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call
1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
This medication has been prescribed for your current
condition only. Throw away the unused medication after treatment is
completed. Do not use it later for another infection unless your doctor
tells you to.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Once
the multi-dose tube is opened, this medication expires after 1 month. Keep
all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.