Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Fucidin H Cream
⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Fusidic acid, Hydrocortisone acetate may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
What it is and what it is used for
for Fucidin H cream contains 2 different types of medicine. One medicine is called fusidic acid. It is a type of antibiotic. The other medicine is called hydrocortisone acetate. It is a type of corticosteroid (steroid). These 2 medicines work at the same time in different ways. Fucidin H cream works by: • The antibiotic killing germs (bacteria) that cause infections. • The corticosteroid reducing any swelling, redness or itchiness of your skin. Fucidin H cream is used to treat: • Conditions where the skin is inflamed (eczema or dermatitis) and also infected by germs (bacteria). Corticosteroid creams, ointments and other topical preparations come in four different potencies or strengths. These are known as mild, moderately potent, potent or very potent. Healthcare professionals will usually refer to topical corticosteroid potency rather than strength. A potent or strong corticosteroid has a much stronger effect than a mild corticosteroid when using the same amount. The percentage of active ingredient that is sometimes included on product packaging does not indicate potency. Hydrocortisone is classed as a mild corticosteroid. Your healthcare professional will prescribe or advise a steroid of the appropriate potency for your condition.
What you need to know before you take it
e Fucidin® H cream
Do not use Fucidin H cream
- If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to fusidic acid or hydrocortisone acetate.
- If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to any of the other ingredients in your medicine. You can find a list of these ingredients in section 6 of this leaflet.
- To treat a skin condition called acne rosacea. This is redness and inflammation over your nose and cheeks. Ask your doctor if you are unsure.
- To treat a skin condition called perioral dermatitis. This is a red spotty rash around your mouth or chin.
- To treat skin conditions caused by tuberculosis or syphilis.
- To treat skin conditions caused only by bacteria, such as boils or spots.
- To treat a skin condition caused by a virus, such as cold sores or chickenpox.
- To treat a skin condition caused by a fungus, such as athlete's foot. Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before using Fucidin H cream
- Take special care if you are going to use this medicine near your eyes or the eyes of a child. If the cream gets into the eye, this may lead to glaucoma.
- Contact your doctor if you experience blurred vision or other visual disturbances.
- If you use the cream over a long time or in large amounts it may make the chance of getting any side effects higher. Also your skin may get more sensitive to this medicine.
- You must not use the medicine for a long time on your face.
- Unless your doctor has told you to, you must not use Fucidin H cream on open wounds or sensitive areas such as the nostrils, ears, lips or genitals.
- Unless your doctor has told you to, you must not use Fucidin H cream on thin skin, skin ulcers, broken veins or acne.
- Adrenal suppression may occur. Signs are tiredness, depression and anxiety. This can be reversed by stopping Fucidin H cream.
- Treatment should be stopped after 7 days if your skin has not improved after using Fucidin H cream. Do not smoke or go near naked flames – risk of severe burns. Fabric (clothing, bedding, dressings etc) that has been in contact with this product burns more easily and is a serious fire hazard. Washing clothing and bedding may reduce product build-up but not totally remove it. If there is a worsening of your condition during use consult your prescriber – you may be experiencing an allergic reaction, have an infection or your condition requires a different treatment. If you experience a recurrence of your condition shortly after stopping treatment, within 2 weeks, do not restart using the cream without consulting your prescriber unless your prescriber has previously advised you to so. If your condition has resolved and on recurrence the redness extends beyond the initial treatment area and you experience a burning sensation, please seek medical advice before restarting treatment. Other medicines and Fucidin H cream Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, or have recently taken or might take any other medicines. Pregnancy and breast-feeding Please ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using Fucidin H cream:
- If you are pregnant, or think you are pregnant. You must not use your medicine for a long time or in large amounts. You must ask your doctor for advice.
•
If you are breast-feeding.
Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while using this medicine. Driving and using machines Usually your medicine will have very little effect on your ability to drive or use machines. Check with your doctor if you feel any side effect that may stop you from driving or using machines. Important information about some of the ingredients of Fucidin H cream Fucidin H cream contains: • Butylhydroxyanisole (E320). This may give you an itchy rash and inflammation on your skin where your medicine is used. This may also cause irritation to the eyes and mucous membranes (such as lips or genital area). • Cetyl alcohol. This may give you an itchy rash and inflammation on your skin where your medicine is used. • Potassium sorbate. This may give you an itchy rash and inflammation on your skin where your medicine is used. • Polysorbate 60. Polysorbates can cause allergic reactions. Please ask your doctor if you are worried about any of the ingredients in this medicine.
3.
How to take it
Fucidin® H cream
Always use Fucidin H cream exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
How to put on Fucidin H cream This medicine is only for using on your skin or the skin of a child. Do not swallow it. Do not put it inside your body. Remove the cap. Check the seal is not broken before you first use the cream. Then push the spike in the cap through the seal on the tube. Always wash your hands before using Fucidin H cream. Rub the medicine gently on the skin. If you use it on your face be careful to avoid your eyes. Unless you are using the cream to treat your hands, always wash your hands after using Fucidin H cream. If you accidentally get any medicine in your eye, wash it out with cold water straight away. Then bathe your eye with eyewash if possible. Your eye may sting. If you start to have any problems with your sight or your eye is sore, contact your doctor immediately. How much Fucidin H cream to use Your doctor will tell you how much Fucidin H cream to use. The usual treatment time is up to 2 weeks. Ask your doctor before using this medicine for any longer. You should notice your skin improve after just a few days of using the cream. If there is no improvement after 7 days you should stop using the cream and go back to your doctor. Usually, you should use this medicine twice each day. Use it in the morning and evening. To remind you to use the medicine it may help to use it when you do another regular action, such as brushing your teeth.
If you have been told to cover the skin with any dressings or bandages you may not need to use the medicine so often. A nappy on a baby may act as a dressing. Follow the advice of your doctor. Adults and children: Your doctor should tell you the dose that is right for you or the child. If your doctor has told you the amount of cream to use then keep to this advice. If not, the following guide will help you to use the correct amount. You can use your first (index) finger to measure how much Fucidin H cream to use. Squeeze the cream along your finger from the tip to the first joint as shown in the diagram. This is called a fingertip unit. The usual number of finger tip units you need to cover different parts of the body is shown in the diagrams. If you need to use a little more or a little less do not worry. If you are using the cream on a child still use an adult finger to measure out the fingertip unit.
For an adult:
For a child under 11 years:
If you forget to use Fucidin H cream If you forget to use this medicine, use it as soon as you remember. Then next use this medicine at the usual time. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, please ask your doctor or pharmacist.
4.
Possible side effects
Like all medicines, Fucidin H cream can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Important side effects to look out for: You must get urgent medical help if you have any of the following symptoms. You may be having an allergic reaction:
- You have difficulty breathing
- Your face or throat swell
- Your skin develops a severe rash. Other possible side effects: Any of the problems listed below are more likely if the medicine is used for a long time, in large amounts or on skin folds (such as armpits or under breasts). These problems are more likely in babies and children. They are also more likely if the skin is covered with a dressing, bandage or nappy. Skin problems Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
- Application site reaction (including itching, burning and irritation). Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)
- Itchy rash and skin inflammation in the area where the medicine is used
- Worsening of your eczema
- Skin rash. Frequency not known (cannot be estimated from the available data)
- Blurred vision. Some side effects are known to be caused by hydrocortisone (steroid), one of the ingredients in Fucidin H cream. You should tell your doctor if any of the side effects occur: • • • •
Adrenal glands may stop working properly. Signs are tiredness, depression and anxiety Glaucoma Thinning of the skin Red spotty rash around the mouth or chin
- Stretch marks
- Small veins near the surface of the skin become visible
- Skin redness
- Lightening of your skin colour
- Changes in the growth of your body hair
- Excessive sweating
- Steroid withdrawal reaction: If used over prolonged periods a withdrawal reaction, which might appear to be different from the previous condition may occur in some patients during treatment or within days to weeks after on stopping treatment with some or all of the following features: redness of the skin which can extend beyond the initial area treated, a burning or stinging sensation, intense itching, peeling of the skin, oozing open sores. Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/ or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
How to store it
Fucidin® H cream
5.
•
Keep out of the sight and the reach of children.
•
Do not use Fucidin H cream after the expiry date which is stated on the carton after EXP. The expiry date is the last day of that month.
•
Do not store above 30 ̊C.
•
The tube should be discarded 3 months after first opening. Write the date you first opened the tube in the space provided on the carton.
Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.
Contents of the pack and other information
What Fucidin H cream contains
- There are 2 active ingredients, fusidic acid and hydrocortisone acetate. Fucidin H cream contains 2% fusidic acid and 1% hydrocortisone. •
The other ingredients are butylhydroxyanisole (E320), cetyl alcohol, glycerol, liquid paraffin, potassium sorbate, polysorbate 60, all-rac-α-tocopherol, water and white soft paraffin.
You can find important information about some of the ingredients in your medicine near the end of section 2 of this leaflet. What Fucidin H cream looks like and contents of the pack Fucidin H cream is a white cream. Fucidin H cream comes in tubes of 3 g, 5 g, 10 g, 15 g, 25 g, 30 g and 60 g. Not all pack sizes may be marketed. Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer
Marketing Authorisation Holder: LEO Laboratories Limited, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 3UD, UK Manufacturers: LEO Laboratories Limited Cashel Road Dublin 12 Ireland LEO Pharma Manufacturing Italy S.r.l Via E. Schering 21 20054 Segrate (MI) Italy This leaflet was last revised in May 2026.
For information in large print, Braille or audio/CD, telephone +44 (0)1844 347333. ®
Registered Trade Mark
Frequently asked questions about Fucidin H Cream
How do I take Fucidin H Cream?
Fucidin H Cream comes as cream. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
What is the active substance in Fucidin H Cream?
The active substance in Fucidin H Cream is fusidic acid, hydrocortisone acetate.
Where does this information come from?
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Fucidin H Cream, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Can I get Fucidin H Cream without a prescription?
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
About this leaflet
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
- Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc), Datapharm
- Active substance: fusidic acid, hydrocortisone acetate
- Official document: view the original leaflet on emc →
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
4.1. Therapeutic indications
Fucidin H cream is indicated in eczema and dermatitis with secondary bacterial infections, including atopic eczema, primary irritant dermatitis and allergic and seborrhoeic dermatitis where the organisms responsible are known to be or believed to be sensitive to fusidic acid.
4.2. Posology and method of administration
Adults and Children:
Uncovered lesions – a small quantity should be applied to the affected area twice daily until a satisfactory response is obtained. A single treatment course should not normally exceed 2 weeks.
Covered lesions - less frequent applications may be adequate.
4.3. Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to fusidic acid/sodium fusidate, hydrocortisone acetate or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
Due to the content of corticosteroid, Fucidin H cream is contraindicated in the following conditions:
Primary skin infections caused by fungi, virus or bacteria, either untreated or uncontrolled by appropriate treatment (see section 4.4).
Skin manifestations in relation to tuberculosis, either untreated or uncontrolled by appropriate therapy.
Perioral dermatitis and rosacea.
4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use
Long-term continuous topical therapy with Fucidin H cream should be avoided.
Depending on the application site, possible systemic absorption of hydrocortisone acetate should always be considered during treatment with Fucidin H cream.
Due to the content of corticosteroid, Fucidin H cream should be used with care near the eyes. Avoid getting Fucidin H cream into the eyes (see section 4.8).
Visual disturbance may be reported with systemic and topical corticosteroid use. If a patient presents with symptoms such as blurred vision or other visual disturbances, the patient should be considered for referral to an ophthalmologist for evaluation of possible causes which may include cataract, glaucoma or rare diseases such as central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) which have been reported after use of systemic and topical corticosteroids.
Reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression may occur with or without occlusions following systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids.
Fucidin H cream should be used with care in children as paediatric patients may be more susceptible to topical corticosteroid-induced HPA axis suppression and Cushing's syndrome than adult patients (see section 4.8).
Bacterial resistance has been reported to occur with the topical use of fusidic acid. As with all antibiotics, extended or recurrent use of fusidic acid may increase the risk of developing antibiotic resistance. Limiting therapy with topical fusidic acid and hydrocortisone acetate to no more than 14 days at a time will minimise the risk of developing resistance.
This also prevents the risk that the immunosuppressive action of corticosteroid might mask any potential symptoms of infections due to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Steroid antibiotic combinations should not be continued for more than 7 days in the absence of any clinical improvement.
Due to the immunosuppressant effect of corticosteroids, Fucidin H cream may be associated with increased susceptibility to infection, aggravation of existing infection, and activation of latent infection. It is advised to switch to systemic therapy if infection cannot be controlled with topical treatment (see section 4.3).
As Fucidin H cream contains a corticosteroid it is not recommended in the following conditions: atrophic skin, cutaneous ulcer, acne vulgaris, fragile skin veins and perianal and genital pruritus. Contact with open wounds and mucous membranes should be avoided. As with all corticosteroids, prolonged use on the face should be avoided.
Fucidin H cream contains butyl hydroxyanisole, cetyl alcohol and potassium sorbate. These excipients may cause local skin reactions (e.g. contact dermatitis). Butyl hydroxyanisole may also cause irritation to the eyes and mucous membranes. Fucidin H cream contains polysorbate 60. Polysorbates can cause allergic reactions.
Instruct patients not to smoke or go near naked flames – risk of severe burns. Fabric (clothing, bedding, dressings etc) that has been in contact with this product burns more easily and is a serious fire hazard. Washing clothing and bedding may reduce product build-up but not totally remove it.
Long term use of topical steroids can result in the development of rebound flares after stopping treatment (topical steroid withdrawal syndrome). A severe form of rebound flare can develop which takes the form of a dermatitis with intense redness, stinging and burning that can spread beyond the initial treatment area. It is more likely to occur when delicate skin sites such as the face and flexures are treated. Should there be a reoccurrence of the condition within days to weeks after successful treatment a withdrawal reaction should be suspected. Reapplication should be with caution and specialist advise is recommended in these cases or other treatment options should be considered.
The label will state mild steroid.
4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
No interaction studies have been performed. Interactions with systemically administered medicinal products are considered minimal.
4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy
Fusidic acid:
No effects during pregnancy are anticipated, since systemic exposure to fusidic acid is negligible.
Hydrocortisone acetate:
A large amount of data on pregnant women (more than 1000 pregnancy outcomes) indicates no malformative nor feto/neonatal toxicity of corticosteroids.
Fucidin H cream can be used during pregnancy if clinically needed. However, based on a general knowledge about systemic corticosteroids, caution should be exercised when using Fucidin H cream during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding
No effects on the breastfed new-born/infant are anticipated since the systemic exposure of topically applied fusidic acid/hydrocortisone acetate to a limited area of skin of the breastfeeding woman is negligible.
Fucidin H cream can be used during breastfeeding but it is recommended to avoid applying Fucidin H cream on the breast.
Fertility
There are no clinical studies with Fucidin H cream regarding fertility.
4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines
Fucidin H cream has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive or to use machines.
4.8. Undesirable effects
The estimation of the frequency of adverse reactions is based on a pooled analysis of data from clinical studies and spontaneous reporting.
The most frequently reported adverse reactions during treatment are application site reactions including pruritus, burning and irritation.
Adverse reactions are listed by MedDRA system organ class (SOC) and the individual adverse reactions are listed starting with the most frequently reported. Within each frequency grouping, adverse reactions are presented in the order of decreasing seriousness.
Very common
Common
Uncommon
Rare
Very rare
Not known
> 1/10
> 1/100 and < 1/10
> 1/1,000 and < 1/100
> 1/10,000 and < 1/1,000
< 1/10,000
(cannot be estimated from the available data)
Immune system disorders
Uncommon
(≥1/1,000 and <1/100)
Hypersensitivity
Eye disorders
Not known
Vision, blurred*
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Uncommon:
(≥1/1,000 and <1/100)
Dermatitis contact
Eczema (condition aggravated)
Rash
Not known
Withdrawal reactions - redness of the skin which may extend to areas beyond the initial affected area, burning or stinging sensation, itch, skin peeling, oozing pustules*
General disorders and administration site conditions
Common:
(≥1/1,00 and <1/10)
Application site reaction
(incl. pruritus, burning and irritation)
* See also section 4.4
Systemic undesirable effects
Systemic undesirable class effects of mild corticosteroids, like hydrocortisone, include adrenal suppression especially during prolonged topical administration (see section 4.4).
Raised intra-ocular pressure and glaucoma may also occur after topical use of corticosteroids near the eyes, particularly with prolonged use and in patients predisposed to developing glaucoma (see section 4.4).
Dermatological undesirable class effects of mild corticosteroids like hydrocortisone include: Atrophy, dermatitis (incl. dermatitis contact, dermatitis acneiform and perioral dermatitis), skin striae, telangiectasia, rosacea, erythema, depigmentation, hypertrichosis and hyperhidrosis. Ecchymosis may also occur with prolonged use of topical corticosteroids.
Paediatric population
The observed safety profile is similar in children and adults (see section 4.4).
Reporting of suspected adverse reactionsReporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/ or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
4.9. Overdose
For topically applied fusidic acid, no information concerning potential symptoms and signs due to overdose administration is available. Cushing's syndrome and adrenocortical insufficiency may develop following topical application of corticosteroids in large amounts and for more than three weeks.
Systemic consequences of an overdose of the active substances after accidental oral intake are unlikely to occur. The amount of fusidic acid in one tube of Fucidin H cream does not exceed the oral daily dose of systemic treatment. A single oral overdose of corticosteroids is rarely a clinical problem.
🇷🇴 Known in Romania as
Medicines sold in Romania with the same active substance: Cunoscut în România ca
- FUCIDIN H prescriptionCOMBINATII (ACIDUM FUSIDICUM+HYDROCORTISONUM) · skin / topical
Same active substance. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Romanian medicines in the UK →
🇵🇱 Known in Poland as
Medicines sold in Poland with the same active substance: W Polsce znany jako
⚠ Same active substance, but a different pharmaceutical form (for example a gel instead of a tablet). Not interchangeable — ask a pharmacist.
- Fusacid HAcidum fusidicum + Hydrocortisoni acetas
Same active substance. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Polish medicines in the UK →
💬 Ask about this leaflet
Ask anything about Fucidin H Cream. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.