Fucidin Hydrocortisone

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.

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.

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 is contraindicated in the following conditions:

Primary skin infections caused by fungi, virus or bacteria, either untreated or uncontrolled by appropriate treatment.

Skin manifestations in relation to tuberculosis, either untreated or uncontrolled by appropriate therapy.

Perioral dermatitis and rosacea.

Long-term continuous topical therapy with Fucidin^® H should be avoided.

Depending on the application site, possible systemic absorption of hydrocortisone acetate should always be considered during treatment with Fucidin^® H.

Due to the content of corticosteroid, Fucidin^® H should be used with care near the eyes. Avoid getting Fucidin^® H into the eyes.

Reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression may occur with or without occlusions following systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids.

Fucidin^® H 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.

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 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.

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 has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive or to use machines.

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.

Systemic undesirable effects

Systemic undesirable class effects of mild corticosteroids, like hydrocortisone, include adrenal suppression especially during prolonged topical administration.

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.

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.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting 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: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.

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 does not exceed the oral daily dose of systemic treatment. A single oral overdose of corticosteroids is rarely a clinical problem.

Fucidin^® H cream combines the potent topical antibacterial action of fusidic acid with the anti-inflammatory and antipruritic effects of hydrocortisone. Concentrations of 0.03 - 0.12 micrograms fusidic acid per ml inhibit nearly all strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Topical application of fusidic acid is also effective against streptococci, corynebacteria, neisseria and certain clostridia.

There are no data which define the pharmacokinetics of Fucidin^® H cream, following topical administration in man.

However, in vitro studies show that fusidic acid can penetrate intact human skin. The degree of penetration depends on factors such as the duration of exposure to fusidic acid and the condition of the skin. Fusidic acid is excreted mainly in the bile with little excreted in the urine.

Hydrocortisone is absorbed following topical administration. The degree of absorption is dependent on various factors including skin condition and site of application. Absorbed hydrocortisone is extensively metabolised and rapidly eliminated in the urine.

There are no pre-clinical data of relevance to the prescriber which are additional to that already included in other sections of the SPC.

Not applicable

None