Does Nystatin/Triamcinolone Interact With Other Medications?

Because Nystatin/Triamcinolone is a topical medication (applied to the skin rather than taken by mouth), it has fewer drug interactions than most oral medications. However, there are still some important interactions to know about.

If you're not familiar with this medication, start with our overview: What is Nystatin/Triamcinolone?

Major Interactions

These interactions are the most significant and should be discussed with your doctor:

Other Topical Corticosteroids

Using Nystatin/Triamcinolone alongside other steroid-containing skin products can increase the total amount of corticosteroid your skin absorbs. This raises the risk of:

• Skin thinning (atrophy)
• Stretch marks
• Spider veins
• HPA axis suppression (your body producing less natural cortisol)

Tell your doctor about any other steroid creams, ointments, or lotions you're using — including over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream.

Occlusive Dressings and Bandages

Covering the treated area with airtight bandages or dressings significantly increases how much Triamcinolone is absorbed through your skin. This can turn a topical medication into something closer to a systemic one, increasing the risk of serious side effects.

Don't wrap or bandage the treated area unless your doctor specifically instructs you to. Diapers on infants can act as occlusive dressings — see the special note on children below.

Moderate Interactions

Aldesleukin (Proleukin)

Aldesleukin is a medication used in cancer treatment. Corticosteroids, including Triamcinolone, may reduce aldesleukin's effectiveness as an anti-cancer agent. If you're undergoing immunotherapy with aldesleukin, your oncologist should be aware of any corticosteroid use, even topical.

Corticorelin (Acthrel)

Corticorelin is a diagnostic agent used to test adrenal function. Corticosteroids like Triamcinolone can interfere with the test results. If you're scheduled for an adrenal function test, tell the testing physician that you're using Nystatin/Triamcinolone.

Products to Be Careful With

While not formal drug interactions, be cautious when combining Nystatin/Triamcinolone with:

• Other topical medications on the same area — Applying multiple products to the same skin can alter absorption rates and increase irritation
• Harsh skin care products — Products with retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids, or benzoyl peroxide may irritate skin that's already being treated with Nystatin/Triamcinolone
• Cosmetics and fragranced products — These can irritate treated skin and potentially worsen your condition

Special Considerations for Children

Children absorb more medication through their skin than adults. This is especially important because:

• Diapers act like occlusive dressings, increasing Triamcinolone absorption
• A child's higher body surface area to weight ratio means more systemic exposure
• Other topical products (diaper creams, lotions) used at the same time can affect absorption

Always tell your pediatrician about every product you're applying to your child's skin. For more safety information, see our side effects guide.

What to Tell Your Doctor Before Using Nystatin/Triamcinolone

Before starting this medication, make sure your doctor knows about:

• All other medications you're taking (prescription and over-the-counter)
• Any topical products you apply to the affected area
• Any steroid medications you're using (creams, inhalers, pills, injections)
• Whether you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant
• Any history of skin reactions or allergies to medications
• If you have diabetes (corticosteroids can affect blood sugar with extensive use)

Food and Lifestyle Interactions

Good news here: since Nystatin/Triamcinolone is applied to the skin, there are no known food interactions. You don't need to change your diet or avoid any foods while using it.

There are also no restrictions on alcohol, exercise, or sun exposure specifically related to this medication — though keeping the treated area clean and dry will help it work better.

What About Using It With Other Antifungals?

Your doctor generally won't prescribe Nystatin/Triamcinolone alongside another antifungal for the same area, since the Nystatin component already addresses the yeast infection. However, if you have a different type of fungal infection on another part of your body, using a separate antifungal on that area is typically fine.

If Nystatin/Triamcinolone isn't working well enough, your doctor may switch you to a different medication rather than adding another antifungal. Learn more about options in our alternatives guide.

Key Takeaways

• Nystatin/Triamcinolone has relatively few drug interactions because it's applied topically
• The biggest concern is combining it with other corticosteroid products, which increases skin-thinning risk
• Don't cover the treated area with airtight bandages unless directed by your doctor
• Tell your doctor about all medications and skin products you're using
• No food interactions or dietary restrictions apply
• Use MedFinder to find Nystatin/Triamcinolone at a pharmacy near you