Fusidic acid eye drops

About fusidic acid eye drops

Fusidic acid eye drops work by killing bacteria that cause eye infections

Before using fusidic acid eye drops

Before using fusidic acid eye drops make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you wear soft contact lenses
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking or using any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines

How to use fusidic acid eye drops

Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
If the eye(s) have an obvious discharge or 'crust' they may be bathed with boiled and cooled water before treating with these eye drops.

1. Wash your hands well before use
2. Remove the outer cap
3. Tilt the head back and pull the lower lid of the eye down to form a pocket
4. Hold the tube over your eye and look up. Try not to touch your eye with the tip of the tube
5. Squeeze one drop into the lower eye lid
6. Close the eye, and keep it closed for one to two minutes
7. If you think that you have missed the eye, then insert another drop
8. Repeat in the other eye if you have been told to use these eye drops in both eyes
9. Replace the outer cap on the container, try not to touch the applicator tip with the fingers as you do so
10. Wash your hands
11. If the drops are for children you may put the drops in their eyes when they are lying down or asleep
12. Fusidic acid eye drops are usually used twice a day

Getting the most from your treatment

• Use fusidic acid eye drops exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. They are usually used twice a day.
• Do not wear soft contact lenses while you are being treated with fusidic acid eye drops.
• If you are using any other eye drops or eye ointments, leave at least five minutes between applying each medication.
• Try not to miss doses. If you do miss a dose, then apply the missed dose as soon as possible.
• When the eye appears normal again, there may still be some bacteria left. It is important to continue using fusidic acid eye drops for a further 48 hours after the eye appears normal, to ensure that all of the bacteria have been killed.
• Do not use fusidic acid eye drops more often or for a longer period than your doctor has directed.
• If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
• Strict attention to hygiene and cleanliness is important to prevent the infection spreading.
• Be careful to use separate towels to other members of your household.
• If only one eye is infected care must be taken to avoid spreading the infection to the other eye.
• Eye infections can cause the eyes to become more sensitive to sunlight. Wearing dark glasses may help prevent this.
• Fusidic acid eye drops are for you. Never give them to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
• Fusidic acid eye drops are for external use only. If you suspect someone has swallowed any of this preparation, 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 empty.

Can fusidic acid eye drops cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. The most common side effects of fusidic acid eye drops are shown below:

If any of these effects continue or become severe, stop using the eye drops and talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Also, if your condition becomes worse or if you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this preparation ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

How to store fusidic acid eye drops

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light
• Discard these eye drops four weeks after opening
• 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

Important information about all medicines