Sodium fusidate

Sodium fusidate is a type of antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections. It is a salt form of fusidic acid, a steroid antibiotic that is derived from the fungus Fusidium coccineum. Sodium fusidate works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, thereby preventing the growth and reproduction of bacteria.

Mechanism of Action

Sodium fusidate works by binding to the elongation factor G (EF-G) in bacteria, a protein that is essential for protein synthesis. This binding prevents the EF-G from performing its role in the translocation of peptidyl-tRNA from the A-site to the P-site on the ribosome, thereby inhibiting protein synthesis and preventing the bacteria from growing and reproducing.

Uses

Sodium fusidate is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including skin infections, bone and joint infections, and respiratory tract infections. It is particularly effective against Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Side Effects

Like all antibiotics, sodium fusidate can cause side effects. These may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash. In rare cases, it can cause more serious side effects such as jaundice, hepatitis, and anaphylaxis.

Resistance

Bacterial resistance to sodium fusidate can occur, particularly if the antibiotic is used frequently or for prolonged periods of time. Resistance is typically due to mutations in the EF-G gene, which prevent the sodium fusidate from binding to the EF-G and inhibiting protein synthesis.

See Also

• Fusidic acid
• Antibiotic resistance
• Staphylococcus aureus

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