About sodium fusidate

Sodium fusidate is used to treat bacterial infections of the joints and bones by killing or stopping the growth of the bacteria responsible.

(See also the information leaflet called Fusidic acid (topical) for preparations containing sodium fusidate which are used to treat skin infections.)

Before taking sodium fusidate

Before taking sodium fusidate make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you have liver problems.
• If you have recently suffered from jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes).
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or to any other medicine.

How to take sodium fusidate

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• If you have been given sodium fusidate as a liquid, take your dose with or soon after eating a meal or snack.
• Try to take sodium fusidate at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses. Taking it at regular intervals helps to keep a steady level of sodium fusidate in your body.
• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Even if your condition has improved it is important to complete the course of sodium fusidate that you have been prescribed. If you stop this treatment too soon your infection may return and could be more difficult to treat.
• Some people develop thrush (redness and itchiness in the mouth or vagina) after taking a course of antibiotics. If you think you have thrush speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
• If you are using hormonal contraception (the 'pill'), the current advice (January 2011) is that additional contraceptive precautions such as condoms are not required during a course of this antibiotic unless you are sick or have diarrhoea. If you need further advice, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
• This antibiotic may stop the oral typhoid vaccine from working. If you are having any vaccinations, make sure the person treating you knows that you are taking this medicine.
• If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with this medicine.

Can sodium fusidate cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome:

Important: if you develop jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes) or a skin rash, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store sodium fusidate

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines