ABSTRACT
Fusidic acid is a bacteriostatic antibiotic derived from the fungus Fusidium coccineum that is used mostly as a topical medication to treat bacterial skin infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, but is also given systemically as a tablet or injection. This chapter provides monographs of fusidic acid which have caused contact allergy/allergic contact dermatitis. The monographs present: identification section; contact allergy (general population, patients with dermatitis, case reports and case series); cross-reactions; patch test sensitization; photocontact allergy; and immediate contact reactions (contact urticaria). The identification section presents IUPAC names, synonyms, CAS and EC numbers, structural and chemical formulas, Merck Index monographs, and advises on patch testing. The chapter also covers an extensive amount of information to benefit dermatologists, allergists, and all others interested in drug allergy.
