fusidic acid

Fusidic acid is a steroidal antibiotic used primarily to treat bacterial infections caused by susceptible organisms. It is most commonly applied topically as creams or ointments for skin infections such as impetigo and cellulitis, and as eye drops for conjunctivitis. Systemic formulations (oral tablets or injections) are also available but are typically reserved for hospital use. Fusidic acid acts by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis through binding to elongation factor G (EF-G) on the ribosome after GTP hydrolysis. This prevents the necessary conformational changes required for EF-G release from the ribosome, effectively blocking translocation during protein synthesis and thus halting bacterial growth. It is bacteriostatic rather than bactericidal and has a unique mechanism of action among antibiotics. Fusidic acid was originally isolated from the fungus *Fusidium coccineum* and is considered the only marketed member of the fusidane class.

Brand names

FucidinFucibetFucithalmic

Other names

sodium fusidate