sodium fusidate

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

Action: 

Inhibition of Protein Synthesis: sodium fusidate primarily exerts its antibacterial action by inhibiting protein synthesis in susceptible bacteria. It binds to the bacterial ribosome’s elongation factor G (EF-G). This binding prevents the release of EF-G from the ribosome, which is necessary to translate proteins. Consequently, bacterial protein synthesis is disrupted, leading to cell death. 

Bacteriostatic or Bactericidal: sodium fusidate can be both bacteriostatic and bactericidal, depending on the concentration and the specific strain of bacteria. At lower concentrations, it tends to be bacteriostatic, inhibiting bacteria growth and reproduction. It can be bactericidal at higher concentrations or, in certain circumstances, directly killing the bacteria. 

Spectrum: 

Staphylococcus aureus: sodium fusidate is especially effective against methicillin-sensitive staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). It can also be used against some methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains, although resistance is possible. 

Streptococcus species: It is effective against various streptococcus species, including streptococcus pyogenes (Group A streptococcus) and Streptococcus pneumoniae. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Liver dysfunction 

Jaundice 

Irritation 

rashes 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning:  

None

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution:  

Hypersensitivity: Individuals with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to sodium fusidate or its components should not use this medication. 

Pre-existing Liver Disease: sodium fusidate is primarily metabolized by the liver. Individuals with a history of significant liver dysfunction or prior liver-related medical conditions should exercise caution when using this medication, as they may face an elevated susceptibility to potential adverse effects. 

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The safety of sodium fusidate during pregnancy and while breastfeeding has not been extensively studied. Therefore, its use in these situations should be carefully considered, and the potential risks and benefits should be discussed with a healthcare professional. 

Pediatric Patients: sodium fusidate may not be recommended in very young children or infants, as its safety and efficacy in this population may not be well-established. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy warnings:     

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Lactation: Excreted into human milk is unknown 

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus in either the first or second trimester. 

<b>Category B: There were a lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal experiments.   

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.   

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category

Pharmacology

Pharmacology:  

sodium fusidate is an antibiotic medication that is used to treat various bacterial infections. 

Pharmacodynamics:  

sodium fusidate exerts its antibacterial effects by specifically targeting bacterial ribosomes. It binds to elongation factor G (EF-G) and prevents the translocation of ribosomes along the mRNA strand. This leads to a disruption in protein synthesis within the bacterial cell, ultimately inhibiting bacterial growth.  

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

sodium fusidate can be administered orally, or topically. When administered through the mouth, it undergoes effective absorption from the digestive system. 

Distribution 

It distributes well throughout the body, and therapeutic levels can be achieved in various tissues and body fluids. It also crosses the blood-brain barrier, but cerebrospinal fluid levels are generally lower than in plasma. 

Metabolism 

sodium fusidate undergoes minimal metabolism in the liver. 

Excretion and Elimination 

The drug is primarily excreted through the bile and feces. A small portion is excreted in the urine. 

Adminstartion

Administration:  

Oral Tablets 

Take the medication as prescribed by your doctor. 

It is usually taken with or without food but follow your doctor’s instructions for the best results. 

Do not crush or chew the tablet unless your doctor advises you to do so. 

Topical Cream/Ointment 

Wash your hands and the affected area before applying the cream or ointment. 

The drug should be applied to the affected area in a thin layer. 

Massage the cream or ointment gently into the skin until it has been fully absorbed. 

Wash your hands again after applying unless your hands are the affected area. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: sodium fusidate 

Why do we use sodium fusidate?  

sodium fusidate is often prescribed to treat a variety of skin infections, including impetigo, infected eczema, and infected hair follicles (folliculitis). 

It can be used to manage wound infections, especially those resulting from minor cuts, abrasions, or surgical incisions.  

sodium fusidate may be recommended in combination with other acne medications for severe or persistent cases of acne where bacteria play a significant role.  

sodium fusidate is occasionally employed as a therapeutic option for osteomyelitis in certain situations, a bone infection, either alone or in combination with other antibiotics.  

It can be utilized to manage deeper skin infections such as cellulitis or erysipelas.