Product Description
Reference Standards &Impurity
AI Product Description
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Sodium Fusidate, chemically known as sodium fusidate or the sodium salt of fusidic acid, is a potent antibiotic derived from the fermentation of the fungus *Fusidium coccineum*. Its molecular formula is C31H47NaO6, and it carries the unique CAS registry number 25988-06-7. This compound belongs to the class of steroidal antibiotics, distinguished by its complex tetracyclic steroid nucleus structure which is crucial for its specific mechanism of action.
The primary clinical application of Sodium Fusidate is the treatment of serious staphylococcal infections, particularly those caused by methicillin-resistant *Staphylococcus aureus* (MRSA). It functions by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis; specifically, it binds to elongation factor G (EF-G), preventing the translocation step required for peptide chain elongation during translation. Due to its high affinity for skin and soft tissues, it is frequently administered topically in the form of ointments or creams for treating impetigo, infected eczema, and minor wounds. Systemic administration via oral tablets or intravenous injection is reserved for severe deep-seated infections such as osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, and endocarditis.
A notable characteristic of this drug is its excellent penetration into bone and abscesses, making it superior to many other beta-lactam antibiotics for certain localized infections. However, resistance can develop if used alone for prolonged periods, so it is often combined with other agents like rifampicin or flucloxacillin to enhance efficacy and prevent resistance. While generally well-tolerated, potential side effects include gastrointestinal disturbances when taken orally and rare cases of liver enzyme elevation. In veterinary medicine, it is also utilized to treat similar infections in animals. As a critical tool against resistant Gram-positive bacteria, Sodium Fusidate remains an essential component of modern antimicrobial therapy protocols globally, bridging the gap where conventional penicillins and cephalosporins fail.