This NHS content is written for people in England. Medicine names, availability, prescribing and services may differ in other countries.
Common side effects of fusidic acid
Common side effects of cream or ointment
It's unusual to have side effects with fusidic acid cream or ointment.
Some people get skin irritation where they put the cream or ointment on. This happens in less than 1 in 100 people.
Keep using the cream or ointment, but talk to your pharmacist or doctor if skin irritation bothers you or does not go away.
Common side effects of eye drops
These common side effects of fusidic acid eye drops happen in more than 1 in 10 people. There are things you can do to help cope with them:
Burning, stinging, itching, soreness or dryness in the eye you're treating
Do not rub your eye as this can make things worse. Wet a clean flannel with cool water, close your eye and put the flannel over your eye for a few minutes to ease the symptoms.
Make sure you do not share the flannel with others, and wash it after you've used it.
Always wash your hands after touching your eyes to stop the infection spreading.
Blurred vision in the eye you're treating
Avoid driving, cycling or using tools or machines while this is happening. If it lasts for more than a day or two, speak to your doctor as they may need to change your treatment.
Keep using the eye drops, but talk to your doctor if the advice on how to cope does not help and these side effects bother you or do not go away.
View the original NHS website page ↗. Refreshed 19 August 2026.
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