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Nystatin; Triamcinolone Cream or Ointment

What is this medication?

NYSTATIN; TRIAMCINOLONE (nye STAT in; trye am SIN oh lone) treats fungal or yeast infections of the skin. It works by decreasing inflammation and killing or preventing the growth of fungus on your skin. It is a combination of an antifungal and a topical steroid. It will not treat infections caused by bacteria or viruses.

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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Myco-Triacet-II, Mycogen-II, Mycolog II, Mytrex, N.T.A.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Large areas of burned or damaged skin
  • Skin infection
  • Thinning or wrinkling of the skin
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to nystatin, triamcinolone, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is for external use only. Do not take by mouth. Wash your hands before and after use. If you are treating a hand infection, only wash your hands before use. Do not get this medication in your eyes. If you do, rinse your eyes with plenty of cool tap water. Use this medication as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Do not use it more often than directed. Use the medication for the full course as directed by your care team, even if you think you are better. Do not stop using it unless your care team tells you to stop it early.

Apply a thin film of the medication to the affected area. You can cover the area with a sterile gauze dressing (bandage). Do not use an airtight bandage (such as a plastic-covered bandage).

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Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for to children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

If applying this medication to the diaper area of a child, do not cover with tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants. This may increase the amount of medication that passes through the skin and increase the risk of serious side effects.

People 65 years and older may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Interactions are not expected. Do not use any other skin products on the same area of skin without talking to your care team.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

After bathing, make sure your skin is very dry. Fungal infections like moist conditions. Do not walk around barefoot.

To help prevent reinfection, wear freshly washed cotton, not synthetic, clothing. Tell your care team if you develop sores or blisters that do not heal properly. If your skin infections return after you stop using this medication, contact your care team.

If you are using this cream for jock itch, do not wear underwear that is tight-fitting or made from synthetic fibers, such as rayon or nylon. Instead, wear loose-fitting, cotton underwear. Dry the area completely after bathing.

If you are using this cream for athlete's foot, carefully dry the feet, especially between the toes after bathing. Do not wear socks made from wool or synthetic materials, such as rayon or nylon. Wear clean cotton socks and change them at least once a day. Wear sandals or shoes that are well-ventilated. An absorbent powder, such as talcum powder, may be used to keep the skin dry. Apply the powder to the affected skin in between applications of this medication.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

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  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Burning, itching, crusting, or peeling of treated skin
  • Cushing syndrome—increased fat around the midsection, upper back, neck, or face, pink or purple stretch marks on the skin, thinning, fragile skin that easily bruises, unexpected hair growth
  • Fragile or thinning skin that bruises easily
  • High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)—increased thirst or amount of urine, unusual weakness or fatigue, blurry vision
  • Low adrenal gland function—nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Mild skin irritation, redness, or dryness
  • Unexpected hair growth at application site

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Do not freeze. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

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  • Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
  • If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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