fusidic acid + rifampin

**Fusidic acid + rifampin** is an oral antibiotic combination used primarily in the management of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other severe staphylococcal infections, especially those involving bone, joint, or prosthetic material. Fusidic acid acts by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis via binding to elongation factor G on the ribosome, while rifampin inhibits bacterial DNA-dependent RNA polymerase, suppressing transcription. Both agents are highly active against staphylococci, but resistance develops quickly when either is used as monotherapy; using them together reduces the emergence of resistance and exhibits synergistic bactericidal activity. The combination is recommended in some guidelines for persistent or recurrent MRSA infections, particularly in cases involving biofilm or prosthetic material. Clinical use is mainly supported by in vitro studies, small retrospective trials, and some regional guidelines; robust controlled clinical trial data are limited. There is no unique brand name for this combination. Primary developers and manufacturers are those of the separate agents (fusidic acid and rifampin), notably Leo Pharma (fusidic acid) and Sanofi-aventis (rifampin), and the combination has regional use recommendations, but is not universally approved as a combination therapy by global regulatory bodies[1][3][5].

Brand names

FucidinRifadin

Other names

fusidic acid + rifampicin