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Nystatin and triamcinolone (Topical)

Generic name: nystatin and triamcinolone [ nye-STAT-in, trye-am-SIN-oh-lone-a-SEET-oh-nide ]
Brand names: Mycolog-II, Mytrex, Quenalog
Drug class: Topical steroids with anti-infectives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 8, 2023.

Uses for nystatin and triamcinolone

Nystatin and triamcinolone combination contains an antifungal and a corticosteroid (cortisone-like medicine).

Antifungals are used to treat infections caused by a fungus. They work by killing the fungus or preventing its growth. This medicine will not work for other kinds of infections. Corticosteroids belong to the family of medicines called steroids. They are used to help relieve redness, swelling, itching, and other discomfort of many skin problems.

This medicine is used to treat certain fungus infections, such as Candida (Monilia), and to help relieve the discomfort of the infection.

Topical corticosteroids may rarely cause some serious side effects. Some of the side effects may be more likely to occur in children. Before using this medicine in children, be sure to talk to your doctor about these problems, as well as the good this medicine may do.

Nystatin and triamcinolone combination is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using nystatin and triamcinolone

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Children may be especially sensitive to the effects of topical nystatin and triamcinolone combination. This may increase the chance of side effects during treatment. Therefore, it is especially important that you discuss with your child's doctor the good that this medicine may do as well as the risks of using it.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing use of topical nystatin and triamcinolone combination in the elderly with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

Proper use of nystatin and triamcinolone

Do not use this medicine in or around the eyes.

Check with your doctor before using this medicine on any other skin problems. It should not be used on bacterial or virus infections. Also, it should only be used on certain fungus infections of the skin.

Apply a thin layer of this medicine to the affected area and rub in gently and thoroughly.

The use of any kind of airtight covering over this medicine may increase absorption of the medicine and the chance of irritation and other side effects. Therefore, do not bandage, wrap, or apply any airtight covering or other occlusive dressing (for example, kitchen plastic wrap) over this medicine unless directed to do so by your doctor. Also, wear loose-fitting clothing when using this medicine on the groin area. When using this medicine on the diaper area of children, avoid tight-fitting diapers and plastic pants.

To help clear up your infection completely, keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if your symptoms have disappeared. Do not miss any doses. However, do not use this medicine more often or for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase absorption through your skin and the chance of side effects. In addition, too much use, especially on thin skin areas (for example, face, armpits, groin), may result in thinning of the skin and stretch marks.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Precautions while using nystatin and triamcinolone

To help clear up your infection completely and to help make sure it does not return, good health habits are also required. Keep the affected area as cool and dry as possible.

If your skin problem does not improve within 2 or 3 weeks, or if it becomes worse, check with your doctor.

The corticosteroid in this medicine may be absorbed through the skin and may be more likely to cause side effects in children. Long-term use may affect growth and development as well. Children who must use this medicine should be followed closely by their doctor.

For diabetic patients:

Side Effects of nystatin and triamcinolone

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Many of the above side effects are more likely to occur in children, who may absorb greater amounts of this medicine.

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

Available Dosage Forms:

Therapeutic Class: Anti-Infective/Anti-Inflammatory Combination

Pharmacologic Class: Triamcinolone

Chemical Class: Polyene

Frequently asked questions

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.