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Overview: Nystatin/triamcinolone is a cream or ointment that is used to treat certain yeast skin infections. Nystatin is a medicine to treat fungal infection, and triamcinolone is a medicine to reduce inflammation and itchiness. The most common side effect is acne-like bumps.

Uses

What is nystatin/triamcinolone used for?

Nystatin/triamcinolone is used to treat certain yeast skin infections (cutaneous candidiasis).

Nystatin/triamcinolone may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does nystatin/triamcinolone work (mechanism of action)?

Nystatin is an antifungal medicine that helps treat fungal infection by disrupting the fungi’s cell structure.

Triamcinolone belongs to a class of medicines called corticosteroids. It may work by blocking certain substances that cause inflammation and itching of the skin.

How is nystatin/triamcinolone supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Mycogen II
  • Mycolog II
  • Myco-Triacet II
  • Mytrex F
  • Tri-Statin II

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 100,000 units/1 mg per gram topical cream
  • 100,000 units/1 mg per gram topical ointment

How should I store nystatin/triamcinolone?

Nystatin/triamcinolone should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Do not freeze.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of nystatin/triamcinolone?

The most common side effect of nystatin/triamcinolone is acne-like bumps. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of nystatin/triamcinolone that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of nystatin/triamcinolone?

While less common, the most serious side effects of nystatin/triamcinolone are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Nystatin/triamcinolone may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using nystatin/triamcinolone and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Reduced Adrenal Function. Triamcinolone, one of the medicines in nystatin/triamcinolone, can pass through your skin and cause your body’s adrenal glands to stop making as much cortisol (the stress hormone). This is known as adrenal insufficiency. This is especially a concern if you use nystatin/triamcinolone over large skin areas or for a long period of time, wrap or cover the skin after applying nystatin/triamcinolone, or use nystatin/triamcinolone on damaged skin. Adrenal insufficiency can get worse if your body is under stress because of fever, surgery, or trauma. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of adrenal insufficiency.

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Weakness, tiredness, or lack of energy
  • Low blood pressure

Cushing’s Syndrome. Nystatin/triamcinolone can cause Cushing’s syndrome, a condition that happens when your body is exposed to too much cortisol (the stress hormone). This is especially a concern if you use nystatin/triamcinolone over large skin areas or for a long period of time, wrap or cover the skin after applying nystatin/triamcinolone, or use nystatin/triamcinolone on damaged skin. Tell your healthcare provider if you notice any of the following symptoms.

  • Rounded, rosy face
  • Weight gain, especially in the upper body
  • Thinning of skin
  • Acnes
  • Unusual tiredness or weakness
  • Depressed mood or anxiety
  • Kidney stones
  • Sleep problems
  • Unusual hair growth

High Blood Sugar. Nystatin/triamcinolone may increase your blood sugar levels, especially if you use nystatin/triamcinolone over large skin areas or for a long period of time, wrap or cover the skin after applying nystatin/triamcinolone, or use nystatin/triamcinolone on damaged skin. It may also cause your body to leak sugar into your urine (pee). Talk to your healthcare provider about how to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Keep all appointments with your healthcare provider to check your blood work. Call your healthcare provider if you have the following symptoms of high blood sugar.

  • Thirsty more than usual
  • Peeing more than usual
  • Increase in hunger
  • Tiredness
  • Feeling sick to your stomach
  • Confusion
  • Your breath smelling fruity

Skin Reactions. Nystatin/triamcinolone can rarely cause skin-related side effects. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following side effects.

  • Inflamed hair follicles or skin swelling or burning
  • Bumps or blisters on the skin that may look like acne
  • Rash around your mouth
  • Lightening of skin color
  • Skin infections at the site of application
  • Skin thinning
  • Skin itching, dryness, cracking, or scaly skin
  • Stretch marks
  • Heat rash or sweat rash caused by blocked sweat glands

Effect on Growth in Children. Nystatin/triamcinolone can slow with the growth in children if used for a prolonged period of time. Call your healthcare provider if you have any concerns regarding the growth of your child who is using this medicine.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use nystatin/triamcinolone?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use nystatin/triamcinolone.

  • Nystatin
  • Triamcinolone
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific nystatin/triamcinolone products they stock.

What should I know about nystatin/triamcinolone before using it?

Do not use nystatin/triamcinolone unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share nystatin/triamcinolone with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep nystatin/triamcinolone out of the reach of children.

Nystatin/triamcinolone is for use on the skin only. Keep nystatin/triamcinolone away from your eyes. 

Do not bandage, wrap, or otherwise seal the area where nystatin/triamcinolone is applied. This includes tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants over applied areas.

Stop using nystatin/triamcinolone and tell your healthcare provider if your condition does not improve after 25 days of using the product.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using nystatin/triamcinolone?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if nystatin/triamcinolone is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Adrenal Gland Problems. Nystatin/triamcinolone can cause adrenal insufficiency. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any adrenal gland problems.

Diabetes. Nystatin/triamcinolone can increase your blood sugar. Tell your healthcare provider if you have diabetes.

Pregnancy.  It is not known if or how nystatin/triamcinolone could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if nystatin/triamcinolone passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use nystatin/triamcinolone while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does nystatin/triamcinolone interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between nystatin/triamcinolone and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect nystatin/triamcinolone.

Does nystatin/triamcinolone interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between nystatin/triamcinolone and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, skin products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much nystatin/triamcinolone?

If you or someone else has used too much nystatin/triamcinolone, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of nystatin/triamcinolone?

If you miss your scheduled dose of nystatin/triamcinolone, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and follow the original schedule. Do not apply nystatin/triamcinolone more often than prescribed.