Fusacort

Uses

Indicated in atopic, infantile & discoid eczema; prurigo nodularis; Psoriasis (excluding widespread plague psoriasis); lichen simplex or planus; contact sensitivity reactions; seborrhoeic dermatitis; discoid lupus erythematosus & adjunct to systemic steroid therapy in generalized erythroderma.

Fusidic Acid is used for the topical treatment of superficial bacterial infections of the eye and its adnexa. These may include - bacterial conjunctivitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, blepharitis, sty and keratitis. It may also be used for the management of corneal and conjunctival abrasions and foreign body injuries.

Fusacort is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Acute Gouty Arthritis, Adrenal cortical hypofunctions, Alopecia Areata (AA), Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), Berylliosis, Blepharitis allergic, Blepharoconjunctivitis, Bullous dermatitis herpetiformis, Bursitis, Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH), Congenital Hypoplastic Anemia, Conjunctivitis, Corneal Inflammation, Dermatitis, Eczematous, Dermatomyositis, Dermatosis, Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE), Edema of the cerebrum, Epicondylitis, Episcleritis, External ear inflammation, Eye allergy, Hypercalcemia of Malignancy, Inflammatory Reaction of the ear, Iridocyclitis, Iritis, Itching caused by Allergies, Keloid Scars, Keratitis interstitial, Keratoconjunctivitis, Leukemias, Lichen Planus (LP), Lichen simplex chronicus, Lupus Erythematosus, Malignant Lymphomas, Multiple sclerosis exacerbation, Mycosis Fungoides (MF), Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum, Nephrotic Syndrome, Ocular Inflammation, Ocular injuries, Ophthalmia, Sympathetic, Pemphigus, Plaque psoriasis of the body, Plaque psoriasis of the scalp, Polymyositis, Post-Surgical Ocular Inflammation, Pruritus, Psoriasis, Psoriasis Vulgaris (Plaque Psoriasis), Psoriatic Arthritis, Psoriatic plaque, Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB), Pure Red Cell Aplasia, Regional Enteritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Juvenile, Scleritis, Secondary thrombocytopenia, Severe Asthma, Severe Atopic Dermatitis, Skin Infections, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Temporal Arteritis, Trichinosis, Tuberculous Meningitis, Ulcerative Colitis, Uveitis, Verrucous Lichen Planus (LP), Acquired immune hemolytic anemia, Acute nonspecific tenosynovitis, Acute rheumatic carditis, Bacterial blepharitis, Corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses, Eczematous rash, Exfoliative erythroderma, Granuloma annulare lesions, Idiopathic eosinophilic pneumonias, Non-suppurative Thyroiditis, Ocular bacterial infections, Severe Allergic rhinitis, Severe Contact dermatitis, Severe Serum sickness, Severe Transfusion Reactions, Severe drug hypersensitivity reactions, Superficial ocular infections, Symptomatic Sarcoidosis, Synovitis of osteoarthritisBacterial Conjunctivitis, Eye and eyelid infections, Fungal skin infection, Skin Infections caused by Corynebacterium minutissimum infection, Skin Infections caused by Staphylococcus Aureus, Skin Infections caused by Streptococcus Infection, Skin Infections, Bacterial, Stye, Cutaneous dermatophyte infection, Eczematous rash, Mild Atopic dermatitis, Mild Dermatitis caused by Staphylococcus aureusis, Moderate Atopic dermatitis, Moderate Dermatitis caused by Staphylococcus aureusis, Ocular bacterial infections, Susceptible Bacterial Infections

How Fusacort works

Glucocorticoids inhibit neutrophil apoptosis and demargination, and inhibit NF-Kappa B and other inflammatory transcription factors. They also inhibit phospholipase A2, leading to decreased formation of arachidonic acid derivatives. In addition, glucocorticoids promote anti-inflammatory genes like interleukin-10.

Corticosteroids like betamethasone can act through nongenomic and genomic pathways. The genomic pathway is slower and occurs when glucocorticoids activate glucocorticoid receptors and initiate downstream effects that promote transcription of anti-inflammatory genes including phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), IL-1-receptor antagonist, and tyrosine amino transferase (TAT). On the other hand, the nongenomic pathway is able to elicit a quicker response by modulating T-cell, platelet and monocyte activity through the use of existing membrane-bound receptors and second messengers.

Fusidic acid works by interfering with bacterial protein synthesis, specifically by preventing the translocation of the elongation factor G (EF-G) from the ribosome. It also can inhibit chloramphenicol acetyltransferase enzymes.

Dosage

Fusacort dosage

Apply sparingly to the affected area 2 to 3 times daily until an improvement occurs.

Adults and children (≥ 2 years): Instill one drop in the affected eye(s) twice daily for 7 days. Treatment should be continued for at least 48 hours after the eye returns to normal.

Side Effects

Burning, itching, irritation, dryness, folliculitis, hypertrychosis acneiform eruptions, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, maceration of the skin, secondary infection, skin atrophy, striae and miliariamay be reported.

Fusidic acid is generally associated with very few adverse effects. The most frequently reported treatment-related side-effect is slight stinging or irritation.

Toxicity

Chronic high doses of glucocorticoids can lead to the development of cataracts, glaucoma, hypertension, water retention, hyperlipidemia, peptic ulcer, pancreatitis, myopathy, osteoporosis, mood changes, psychosis, dermal atrophy, allergy, acne, hypertrichosis, immune suppression, decreased resistance to infection, moon face, hyperglycemia, hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, metabolic acidosis, growth suppression, and secondary adrenal insufficiency. Overdose may be treated by adjusting the dose or stopping the corticosteroid as well as initiating symptomatic and supportive treatment.

Precaution

Avoid long-term therapy particularly in infant & children; the treated area should not be bandaged or otherwise covered or wrapped as to be occlusive unless directed by the physician. Avoid contact with eyes.

• For ophthalmic use only
• To avoid possible contamination of the drops, do not touch the tube nozzle or to any surface
• Do not wear contact lenses during the treatment
• If more than one topical eye drug is being used, the drugs should be administered at least five (5) minutes interval between applications

Interaction

Increased hyperglycaemia and hypokalaemia with thiazide diuretics. Increased incidence of peptic ulcer or GI bleeding with concurrent NSAIDs admin. Response to anticoagulants altered. Dose of antidiabetics and antihypertensives needs to be increased. Decreases serum concentration of salicylates and antimuscarinic agents.

Potentially Fatal: Reduced efficacy with concurrent use of carbamazepine, phenytoin, primidone, barbiturates and rifampicin. Enhanced effect in women taking oestrogens or oral contraceptives.

Synergistic action with antistaphylococcal penicillin. Antagonism with ciprofloxacin.

Volume of Distribution

In a study that included Indian women of reproductive age, the volume of distribution following a single intramuscular dose of betamethasone phosphate was 94,584±23,539 mL(s).

Elimination Route

The absorption and potency of any topical corticosteroid including betamethasone depends on the vehicle in which the steroid is delivered. For example, betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% ointment is classified as a highly potent topical steroid, while betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% cream or lotion is considered to be moderately potent.

There are several structural modifications that can determine the potency of a topical corticosteroid. For example, corticosteroids containing a halogen at specific carbons, or that contain esters are more potent due to enhanced lipophilicity. As such, there is a marked difference between topical products containing betamethasone dipropionate vs. betamethasone valerate. Betamethasone dipropionate contains 2 esters which enhances its potency, while betamethasone valerate has only one ester and is less potent.

It should be noted that the use of occlusive dressings with topical steroids significantly increases the absorption, increasing the risk for adverse effects.

Sodium fusidic acid tablets have a 91% oral bioavailability. Absorption of the film-coated tablets is complete when compared to a solution, however oral absorption is variable. Oral fusidic acid hemihydrate (suspension) achieved a 22.5% bioavailability in pediatric patients following a 20 milligram/kilogram dose.

Half Life

In a study that included Indian women of reproductive age, the half-life following a single intramuscular dose of betamethasone phosphate was 10.2 ± 2.5 hours.

Approximately 5 to 6 hours in adults.

Clearance

In a study that included Indian women of reproductive age, the CL/F following a single intramuscular dose of betamethasone phosphate was 6,466 ± 805 mL/hour.

Elimination Route

Corticosteroids are eliminated predominantly in the urine.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

There are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women on teratogenic effects from topically applied corticosteroids and should not be used extensively for a prolonged period. Caution should be excercised when topical corticosteroids are administered in nursing women.

Use in pregnancy: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Fusidic acid should be used during pregnancy unless the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Use in lactation: It is not clear if enough medication from the eye drop would pass into breast milk. Caution should be exercised while giving this eye drops to a nursing mother

Contraindication

Betamethasone is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the components of the preparation. Betamethasone Eye/Ear/Nasal Drops is contraindicated in Herpes simplex virus infection of the eye; known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient; red eye due to unknown causes; viral or fungal infections in the treatment area; tuberculosis, glaucoma etc.

Fusidic acid viscous eye drops is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to any component of Fusidic Acid (Eye Drops).

Special Warning

Use in children: Safety & effectiveness in children below the age of 2 years have not been established.

Acute Overdose

Long-term intensive topical use may lead to systemic effects

Storage Condition

Protect from light. Do not freeze. Store between 15 °C and 30 °C.

Store between 2-25°C. Discard 1 mth after opening.

Innovators Monograph

You find simplified version here Fusacort