chlorhexidine hydrochloride + hydrocortisone + nystatin at a glance
Medicine class
Topical antifungal, antiseptic and mild corticosteroid combination
Licensed role
Treatment of infected dermatoses involving fungal and/or bacterial infection
Administration
For application to the skin only; avoid the eyes and mouth
Chlorhexidine allergy
Do not use if there may have been a previous allergic reaction to chlorhexidine
What is chlorhexidine hydrochloride + hydrocortisone + nystatin used for?
Licensed use:
Inflamed or otherwise affected skin conditions complicated by fungal infection, particularly Candida, and/or bacterial infection.
The patient leaflet gives ringworm, athlete’s foot and infected nappy rash as examples; use should be based on clinical assessment because not every case needs this combination.
How does chlorhexidine hydrochloride + hydrocortisone + nystatin work?
Nystatin damages susceptible fungal cells and is particularly active against Candida. Chlorhexidine acts against a broad range of bacteria. Hydrocortisone reduces inflammation, swelling and itching; it does not treat the infection itself.
How to take chlorhexidine hydrochloride + hydrocortisone + nystatin
Use only on the skin and follow the prescriber’s and pack instructions.
Apply a thin layer to the affected skin.
Wash your hands before and after application unless the hands are being treated.
Keep the cream away from the eyes and mouth, and do not swallow it.
Do not cover large areas or use under an airtight dressing unless specifically directed, because this can increase hydrocortisone absorption.
chlorhexidine hydrochloride + hydrocortisone + nystatin side effects
Common or expected effects
- Reported local effects, with frequency unknown, include irritation, itching, redness, dermatitis, eczema, rash, hives or blisters.
- Cetostearyl alcohol can cause contact dermatitis, while benzyl alcohol can cause allergy or mild local irritation.
Get urgent medical advice
- Stop using it and obtain urgent help for swelling, breathing difficulty, faintness or collapse, which may indicate anaphylaxis.
- Seek medical assessment if redness spreads beyond the treated area or severe burning, stinging, peeling or oozing develops after stopping; this may be a topical steroid withdrawal reaction.
- Stop and contact the prescriber if the condition worsens, sensitivity develops or a new infection appears.
chlorhexidine hydrochloride + hydrocortisone + nystatin in pregnancy
The product-specific SmPC advises use only when the expected benefit outweighs possible risk, cautions against extensive topical steroid use during the first trimester and advises caution with nystatin. Although UK pregnancy information is generally reassuring about topical corticosteroids, that evidence does not remove the need for a prescriber to assess this combination.
chlorhexidine hydrochloride + hydrocortisone + nystatin while breastfeeding
The selected SmPC gives no separate breastfeeding recommendation for this combination, so check with the prescriber. Topical hydrocortisone is generally compatible with breastfeeding, but prevent the baby touching treated skin, wash hands after application and remove cream from the breast with warm water before feeding.
chlorhexidine hydrochloride + hydrocortisone + nystatin interactions
No medicine interactions are stated in the selected SmPC. Tell the prescriber or pharmacist about other products being used on the same skin area so that application and compatibility can be reviewed.
Common questions about chlorhexidine hydrochloride + hydrocortisone + nystatin
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is chlorhexidine hydrochloride + hydrocortisone + nystatin a steroid cream?
It contains hydrocortisone, a mild topical corticosteroid, together with the antifungal nystatin and the antiseptic chlorhexidine.
Is chlorhexidine hydrochloride + hydrocortisone + nystatin antifungal or antibacterial?
It has both roles: nystatin treats susceptible fungi and chlorhexidine acts against bacteria. Hydrocortisone reduces associated inflammation and itching.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.