Fucicort Cream

Active Ingredient	Betamethasone Valerate & Fusidic Acid
Type	Topical antibiotic & anti-inflammatory medication

 

How does Fucicort Cream work?

Fucicort Cream contains a highly potent anti-inflammatory corticosteroid, dexamethasone, in combination with an antibiotic, Fusidic Acid. Betamethasone narrows the dilated blood vessels to block the release of anti-inflammatory substances in the body such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes. This action results in the reduction of symptoms by arresting the inflammatory response. Fusidic acid is bacteriostatic and stops bacterial growth by inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial protein.

Uses of Fucicort Cream

The topical application Fucicort Cream is used for the treatment of skin inflammatory conditions ranging from moderate to severe type. It reduces the symptoms such as redness, itching, dryness, scaling, associated with the following skin issues:

• Dermatitis
• Seborrheic dermatitis 
• Mild psoriasis
• Eczema
• Discoid lupus erythematosus 
• Lichen planus

Dosage

The dosage and frequency of use of Fucicort cream depend on the type and severity of the infection. This topical medication is intended for short-term use only.

• Wash your hands thoroughly before using the topical medication.
• Apply the cream thinly over the affected area.
• Gently rub it in.
• Unless you are using it for the treatment of hands, wash your hands properly after use to avoid getting it into your mouth, nose, or eyes.
• Usually, application twice a day is recommended. However, fewer or more applications can be advised by a doctor depending on the stringency of the skin condition.

Precautions 

• This medication is strictly for external use. Do not swallow or put it inside the body.
• In case some medication enters your eye by accident, wash the eye thoroughly with water and then use an eyewash. Seek medical attention in case you experience any issues with eye or eyesight. 
• Fucicort Cream should not be used for more than two weeks as prolonged use may cause adverse effects.
• This cream should not be applied under an occlusive dressing unless specified by the doctor.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose, apply the topical cream when you remember. However, if the time of the next dose is approaching, you can skip the missed dose and continue with the normal regime afterward. Do not apply an excess to compensate for the missed dose.

Overdose

Always stick to the prescribed dosage by your doctor. However, if you feel you may have used too much Fucicort and feel any discomfort on the skin, contact your doctor for assistance. 

• This medication can be harmful when swallowed. In case of accidental swallowing, seek immediate medical attention.

Important Advisory

Fucicort cream is to be used with caution in some situations or may not be suitable at all in certain circumstances. Inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

• Any known allergy to fusidic acid, betamethasone, or any other ingredient – cetostearyl alcohol, chlorocresol, macrogol cetostearyl ether, paraffin, etc.
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Have bruised skin.
• Have any viral or fungal infection of the skin.
• Suffer from acne rosacea
• Have any rash around the mouth
• Suffer from tuberculosis
• Presence of ulcers on the area that requires treatment 

Note: Inform your doctor about any medication or supplements, whether prescription or over-the-counter, you might be using.

Side Effects

How a medication affects you may vary from another person’s reaction to it. All medications exhibit some side effects. Some may be severe and require medical assistance, while others are mild and get better on their own. Listed below are the common side effects people face with the use of Fucicort cream, however, the probability of it happening is one in a hundred. These symptoms are usually observed with prolonged use of Fucicort cream, or its use in excess amounts.

• Dry skin
• Itching
• Irritation of skin
• Burning sensation 
• Aggravation of eczema 
• Irritation or pain at the area of application

Ingredients other than the active chemicals may also result in some reactions:

• The appearance of stretch marks 
• Reddening of the skin
• Skin bruising
• Thinning or lightening of the skin
• Increased perspiration 
• Tiredness, depression, and anxiety.
• Glaucoma

Note: Discontinue the use of Fucicort Cream and seek immediate medical help if you develop the following symptoms:

• Breathing difficulties
• Swelling of face or throat
• Development of a severe rash

Interactions With Other Drugs

Drug interactions are known to either directly impact the effectiveness of the working of a drug or increase the likelihood of occurrence of the side effects. Inform your doctor about all the medications and supplements you might be taking, including herbal, prescription, or nonprescription ones. 

• This medication is known to interact with other corticosteroid-containing products whether they are of topical or oral use.

Storage Instructions

It is recommended to store Fucicort cream in a cool and dry place, at temperatures not exceeding 30 degrees Celsius.

• Keep Fucicort cream at a safe place out of the reach of children.
• This medication requires protection from heat and moisture, therefore, it is advised to store it appropriately.
• Do not use Fucicort after the indicated expiry date on the packaging. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is Fucicort Cream used for?

The topical use of Fucicort cream is advised in cases of moderate to severe dermal infections such as eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, lichen planus, and discoid lupus erythematosus. It reduces the associated symptoms such as skin redness, itching, dryness, scaling, and crusting of the skin. It also arrests the spread of infection.

Q2. Is Fucicort cream safe for use by pregnant women?

Fucicort cream contains high potency corticosteroids, which may not be suitable for pregnant women. There are not enough human studies to establish the safety of use for the growing fetus. If recommended by the doctor, it should be used for longer periods. 

Q3. Can Fucicort Cream be used for diaper rash in babies or skin infection in children?

For kids less than 4 years of age, treatment with Fucicort cream should not be continued for more than 3 weeks at a time as it can lead to suppression of adrenal glands which affects the growth in children. 

Q4. What is the ideal treatment duration with Fucicort Cream?

Treatment with Fucicort cream should not exceed 2 weeks at a time. Its prolonged use makes your skin sensitive to this medication and increases the chances of side effects.

Q5. What is the composition of Fucicort Cream?

Fucicort cream contains Fusidic acid and Betamethasone valerate as active ingredients and macrogol cetostearyl ether, cetostearyl alcohol, chlorocresol, liquid paraffin, monobasic sodium phosphate dihydrate, white soft paraffin, tocopherol, sodium hydroxide, and purified water as inactive ingredients.

Q6. How soon can I notice the improvement in my condition with the use of Fucicort Cream?

Fucicort cream is very effective, and you will experience a reduction in the symptoms within a week. However, if you do not feel your condition improving after a week of use, discontinue the use of Fucicort cream and consult your doctor.

Q7. Is Fucicort Cream beneficial in the treatment of acne?

Fucicort Cream is not indicated for the treatment of acne. In combination with other medications, it may help in the reduction of symptoms such as redness and pain. Regular application of Betamethasone valerate, an active ingredient in Fucicort Cream, is not effective in the control of acne and may result in the development of another type of acne known as ‘perioral dermatitis’.

Q8. How should Fucicort Cream be applied to the affected area?

Wash your hands before the application of the Fucicort cream. Take a small amount of the cream. Apply a thin layer evenly over the affected area, and rub it in gently. Unless you are using it for your hands, wash them thoroughly after the application as well.

Q9. What things should I take care of while applying Fucicort Cream?

• Be cautious while applying the Fucicort cream on your affected area, and clean your hands afterward to minimize the chances of accidental spread to sensitive areas like eyes, mouth, or nose.
• Do not use the medication on delicate areas such as open wounds and ulcerative dermatitis. 

References

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17225018/
2. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Betamethasone#section=GHS-Classification
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20007058/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3374684/