Sodium Fusidate

About Sodium Fusidate

This belongs to the group of medicines known as antibiotics.

It is used to treat bacterial infections, such as infections of the joints and bones by killing or stopping the growth of the bacteria responsible.

Sodium Fusidate is available in tablet, oral solution and injection form.

It is also sometimes known as: Fucidin. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Sodium Fusidate

Before taking any of this medicine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

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

How to Take Sodium Fusidate

• Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the printed information leaflet, if possible before beginning treatment.
• Take Sodium Fusidate tablets after a meal with a glass of milk or water .
• Take Sodium Fusidate oral solution with or after food.
• Try to take this medicine at regular intervals to keep a steady level of Sodium Fusidate in your body.
• Try not to miss any doses. If you do miss 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. Never take two doses at the same time to make up.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Sodium Fusidate contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside Sodium Fusidate.
• Even if your condition has improved it is important to complete the prescribed course of Sodium Fusidate. If you stop taking this medicine too soon your infection is likely to return and could be more difficult to treat.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental and emergency treatment, tell your doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking Sodium Fusidate.
• If you have any medical tests, tell the person carrying out the test that you are being treated with Sodium Fusidate.
• Some people develop thrush after taking a course of antibiotics. If you think you have thrush speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

  Can Sodium Fusidate cause problems?

  Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted symptoms. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following symptoms continue or become troublesome.

  Nausea (feeling sick), vomiting (being sick) or a skin rash.

  Important: If you experience jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), have difficulty passing water, or develop a rash contact your doctor as soon as possible.

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

  How to store Sodium Fusidate

  • Keep out of reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 25/04/2005