Fucidin Ointment
Fucidin 2% ointment is a prescription only medication antibiotic containing the active ingredient sodium fusidate (2% w/w). It is clinically proven to treat superficial skin infections (on the surface) like impetigo and infected eczema.
The ointment is formulated in a greasy paraffin base, which makes it ideal for treating dry, non-weeping or heavily crusted lesions. At Quick Meds, you can request Fucidin ointment online following a short questionnaire and photo assessment reviewed by UK-based prescribers.
Fucidin Ointment Summary
Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
Active ingredient | Sodium Fusidate 2% |
Primary use | Topical impetigo treatment, particularly dry, crusted lesions |
Medicine Classification | Prescription Only Medicine (POM) |
Available strengths | 2% Sodium Fusidate. |
Pack sizes | 15g tube |
Age Eligibility | Adults aged 18 years and over |
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding | Safe in pregnancy, safe during breastfeeding (avoid applying to the chest area) |
Directions for Use | Apply thinly 3-4 times daily, to the affected lesions for 5 to 7 days |
Onset of Effect | Initial improvement seen within 24 to 48 hours |
Typical Course Duration | Strictly 5-7 days |
Order Limit | Maximum 1 x 15g tube |
Prescription Requirement | Yes - online consultation with a UK prescriber before supply |
How To Buy Fucidin Ointment Online In The UK?
As a prescription-only medicine, you cannot purchase Fucidin over the counter. Quick Meds provides a safe, regulated online prescribing pathway to access treatment without the need for a GP appointment:
Complete an online consultation. This asks about your symptoms, medical history and if you take other medicines.
Checkout. Add Fucidin to your basket and checkout.
Clinical review. A UK-registered prescriber reviews your consultation for safety and appropriateness. As part of the Impetigo service, images of the affected area will be requested to verify the diagnosis.
Fast delivery. All approved orders are dispensed in-house, packaged securely in plain, discreet packaging and sent straight to your door.
Strengths, Pack Sizes And What You Receive
Fucidin is supplied in a single strength - 2% Sodium Fusidate. Each box contains a 15g tube of ointment along with a patient information leaflet detailing step-by-step instructions on use.
Delivery information
At QuickMeds, we understand acute skin infections require rapid treatment. Orders approved by 2:00PM Monday to Friday are dispatched on the same working day. We offer Royal Mail Tracked 24 and Special Next Day Guaranteed delivery options to suit your treatment needs.
Fucidin Ointment Pricing
Pack size | Price |
|---|---|
15g tube | £10.99 |
Prices are correct as of October 2026 and include the medical consultation, prescriber review and dispensing fees. Delivery options are calculated at checkout.
What Is Fucidin Ointment And How Does It Work?
Fucidin, is the brand name for sodium fusidate (the salt form of fusidic acid), an antibiotic ointment designed to treat superficial (on the surface) skin infections.
When applied to crusted, infected areas of skin, sodium fusidate affects the bacteria that cause the infection (Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus) from growing. This stops the growth and spread of the infection, allowing the skin to heal rapidly.
The greasy ointment formula creates a moisturising layer over dry, scabby skin. This softens crusts whilst at the same time ensuring antibiotic penetration to kill the infection.
As it is applied directly to the infection site, a very small amount is absorbed into the blood, resulting in significantly less side effects compared to oral antibiotic tablets.
How To Apply Fucidin Ointment: Dosage & Administration
When using Fucidin ointment, always follow the prescribers guidance:
Wash hands. Thoroughly wash hands with soap and warm water before touching infected skin.
Cleanse affected areas. Gently wash the affected skin with water and a mild cleansing agent to loosen crusts. Gently pat dry with a clean paper towel..
Apply a thin layer of Fucidin ointment on the dry crusts. When using Fucidin ointment, follow the prescribers guidance and read the instructions carefully.
Gently rub the ointment into the skin until fully absorbed.
Wash hands after use, to avoid spreading bacteria to other body parts or to other people.
Fucidin ointment is for external skin use only. Avoid contact with eyes, eyelids, nostrils, mouth membranes.
Storage Recommendations
Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not use Fucidin after its expiry date.
Do not share the ointment with anyone else, even if they have similar symptoms.
It is important to discard any remaining ointment once you have completed your course. If symptoms come back, it is important to request a new assessment as returning/recurring symptoms may need a different treatment.
How Effective Is Fucidin For Impetigo?
Sodium fusidate ointment is the gold-standard treatment for dry, crusted impetigo. It kills the bacteria causing the infection, by stopping it from growing and spreading, whilst simultaneously loosening scabs.
Most patients see a significant reduction in skin redness, scab size and crusting within 48 hours of starting the treatment.
Even if skin looks completely clear, it is important to complete the full 5 to 7 days course. Stopping the course early can allow surviving bacteria to multiply, leading to reinfection and antibiotic resistance.
If your impetigo symptoms are not better after 5 days, stop using the ointment and speak to our clinical team or your GP for a face-to-face assessment.
Who Shouldn’t Use Fucidin Ointment?
Whilst the ointment can safely be used my most patients you should not use Fucidin ointment if you:
Are allergic to sodium fusidate, fusidic acid, or any of the inactive ingredients listed in the leaflet (e.g., cetyl alcohol, potassium sorbate)
Have a severe, widespread infection covering larger body areas.
Have viral skin infections, such as cold sores, chicken pox, or fungal skin infections like ringworm.
Are seeking treatment for weeping, oozing lesions - where cream would be more appropriate.
Are under 18 years old. Parents seeking treatment for children 1+ can access free face-to-face care under the NHS Pharmacy First scheme.
Side Effects Of Fucidin Ointment
As it’s applied directly to the affected areas of skin, only a very small amount of the drug gets into the bloodstream. Because of this, systemic side effects are very rare.
Uncommon side effects, affecting less than 1 in 100 people, include mild skin irritation, stinging, burning or redness where the ointment has been applied.
Rare side effects, affecting less than 1 in 1,000 people include allergic contact dermatitis, hives, or localised swelling.
If you experience severe swelling, intense pain, or a worsening rash, wash the ointment off and seek immediate medical advice.
Interactions And Things to Avoid
Fucidin ointment has no known interactions, and you can continue to take your regular medicines alongside Fucidin.
You should however, avoid applying other creams, moisturisers or cosmetic products directly over Fucidin at the same time. This can dilute the antibiotic, reducing its effectiveness.
What Are The Alternatives To Fucidin?
Fucidin is also available as a cream, containing fusidic acid in a watery base. Unlike Fucidin ointment which is paraffin based, the cream is ideal for moist, weeping, or exposed facial areas.
Another alternative is Crystacide, containing hydrogen peroxide 1%. This is an over-the-counter antiseptic cream which can help kill surface bacteria without using antibiotics, eliminating the risk of resistance.
Why Choose Quick Meds For Your Fucidin Prescription?
Quick Meds is a UK-based GPhC-registered online pharmacy dedicated to providing safe, convenient and discreet healthcare. Every prescription request is independently checked by our in-house UK-registered prescribers to ensure clinical safety.
References
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know
Is Fucidin ointment available over the counter in the UK?+−
No. Fucidin is classed as a prescription only medicine (POM). A clinical assessment is required before it can be supplied.
Can I use Fucidin ointment on cold sores?+−
No. Fucidin contains an antibiotic, which has no effect on cold sores, which are caused by a virus. Fucidin will not work and using it can delay proper antiviral treatment.
Does Fucidin ointment affect hormonal contraception?+−
No. Topical Fucidin ointment does not interact with or reduce the effectiveness of combined contraceptive pills, progesterone-only pills, patches, or implants.
What is the difference between Fucidin Cream and Fucidin Ointment?+−
Fucidin cream is water-based and absorbs quickly, making it a good choice for sores which are moist or weeping.
Fucidin ointment is oil-based, creates a greasy barrier and is ideal for dry, heavily crusted skin.
