Fucicort Mechanism of Action

ATC Code: D07CC01.
Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics: Fucicort Cream combines the potent topical antibacterial action of fusidic acid with the anti-inflammatory and antipruritic effects of betamethasone valerate. The antibacterial activity of fusidic acid is not diminished in the presence of betamethasone.
Fusidic acid and its salts exhibit fat and water solubility properties with strong surface activity, and show unusual ability to penetrate intact skin. Concentrations of 0.03 - 0.12 mcg/ml inhibit nearly all strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Topical Fucidin is also active against Streptococci, Corynebacteria, Neisseria and certain Clostridia and Bacteroides.
Betamethasone valerate is a potent topical corticosteroid rapidly effective in those inflammatory dermatoses which normally respond to this form of therapy.
Pharmacokinetics: There are no data which define the pharmacokinetics of Fucicort Cream, following topical administration in man.
However, in vitro studies show that fusidic acid can penetrate intact human skin. The degree of penetration depends on factors such as the duration of exposure to fusidic acid and the condition of the skin. Fusidic acid is excreted mainly in the bile with little excreted in the urine.
Betamethasone is absorbed following topical administration. The degree of absorption is dependent on various factors including skin condition and site of application. Betamethasone is metabolised largely in the liver but also to a limited extent in the kidneys, and the inactive metabolites are excreted with the urine.
Toxicology: Preclinical safety data: Studies of corticosteroids in animals have shown reproductive toxicity (e.g. cleft palate, skeletal malformations, low birth weight).