Germacid 2% Cream

Germacid 2% Cream contains sodium fusidate (fusidic acid) 2%, a topical antibiotic used to treat bacterial skin infections such as impetigo, infected cuts and wounds, infected eczema, and folliculitis. Fusidic acid is effective mainly against Staphylococcus aureus and other Gram-positive bacteria that commonly cause superficial skin infections, making Germacid 2% Cream a commonly recommended option for localised skin infections in both adults and children.

Germacid 2% Cream is a non-prescription (over-the-counter) product in Malaysia and can be purchased through DoctorOnCall without a doctor’s prescription, although customers with extensive, deep, or non-healing infections are encouraged to consult a doctor or pharmacist before use. It is intended for short-term topical use on the affected area of skin only and should not be used near the eyes or on mucous membranes.

Fusidic acid works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, specifically blocking the action of an enzyme called bacterial elongation factor G, which bacteria need to build proteins essential for their growth and multiplication. This bacteriostatic (and at higher concentrations bactericidal) action stops the infecting bacteria from multiplying, allowing the skin’s own defences to clear the infection and the affected area to heal.

Clean and dry the affected area of skin before applying Germacid 2% Cream. Apply a thin layer of the cream to the infected area 2 to 3 times a day, or as advised by a pharmacist or doctor, and gently rub it in. Wash your hands before and after application unless the hands are the area being treated, and avoid covering the treated area with an airtight dressing unless instructed to do so.

For adults and children, a thin layer of Germacid 2% Cream is usually applied to the affected skin 2 to 3 times daily for up to 7 to 10 days, depending on the severity of the infection and response to treatment. If there is no improvement after 7 days of use, or if the infection appears to be worsening, stop use and seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist rather than continuing self-treatment.

Germacid 2% Cream is generally stable for up to 24 to 36 months from the date of manufacture when unopened and stored correctly. Always check the expiry date printed on the tube and carton before use, and discard the product once opened for longer than the period stated by the manufacturer.

Store Germacid 2% Cream at room temperature, below 30 degrees Celsius, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep the tube tightly closed after each use, and keep out of reach of children and pets.

• Known hypersensitivity to fusidic acid or any other ingredient in the cream
• Not for use in or near the eyes
• Not for use on mucous membranes
• Avoid use on large areas of broken or severely damaged skin without medical advice

• No clinically significant food interactions are known with topical use
• Avoid applying other topical products to the same area at the same time unless advised by a pharmacist
• Inform your pharmacist if you are using other topical steroids or antibiotics on the same skin area
• Systemic drug interactions are unlikely with correct topical use, as absorption into the bloodstream is minimal

• Apply only a thin layer; using more cream does not speed up healing
• Complete the full recommended course even if the skin appears to improve earlier
• Avoid sharing towels or personal items while the infection is active to prevent spreading it to others
• Do not use on open wounds without first cleaning the area
• Seek medical advice if symptoms do not improve within 7 days

Germacid 2% Cream is intended for short-term treatment of localised bacterial skin infections and is not effective against fungal or viral skin conditions. Overuse or prolonged use of topical antibiotics can contribute to antibiotic resistance, so Germacid 2% Cream should be used strictly as directed and only for the duration needed to clear the infection. If infections recur frequently or affect a large area of the body, a doctor should be consulted to rule out an underlying skin condition.