Fusidic Acid - Dosing

Dosing

Fusidic acid should not be used on its own to treat S. aureus infections when used at low drug dosages. However, it may be possible to use fusidic acid as monotherapy when used at higher doses. The use of topical preparations (skin creams and eye ointments) containing fusidic acid is strongly associated with the development of resistance, and there are voices agitating against the continued use of fusidic acid monotherapy in the community. Topical preparations used in Europe often contain fusidic acid and gentamicin in combination, which helps to prevent the development of resistance.

Depending on the reason for which sodium fusidate is prescribed, the adult dose can be 250 mg twice a day and or up to 750 mg three times a day. (Skin conditions normally need the smaller dose). It is available in tablet and suspension form. A front-loading oral dosing regimen is in clinical development in the U.S. based on the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic profile of the compound. It incorporates a dose of 1,500 mg twice on the first day followed by 600 mg twice-daily. It has been demonstrated in an in vitro model to have a low potential for selection of resistant organisms.

There is an intravenous preparation available, but it is irritant to veins, causing phlebitis. Most people absorb the drug extremely well after taking it orally, so, if a patient can swallow, there is not much need to administer it intravenously, even if used to treat endocarditis (infection of the heart chambers).