What Is Nystatin/Triamcinolone? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know

What Is Nystatin/Triamcinolone?

Nystatin/Triamcinolone is a prescription topical medication that combines two active ingredients: Nystatin, an antifungal, and Triamcinolone Acetonide, a medium-potency corticosteroid. Together, they treat fungal skin infections while simultaneously reducing the inflammation, redness, and itching that come with them.

You may see this medication referred to by several names, including Nystatin and Triamcinolone Acetonide, Nystatin-Triamcinolone, or by former brand names like Mycolog-II and Mytrex. Today, only generic versions are available on the market, manufactured by companies like Taro Pharmaceuticals, Perrigo, Actavis, and Glenmark.

What Does Nystatin/Triamcinolone Treat?

Nystatin/Triamcinolone is FDA-approved for treating cutaneous candidiasis — skin yeast infections caused by Candida species — that have an inflammatory component. In plain terms, it's for fungal skin rashes that are red, swollen, and itchy.

Common conditions it's prescribed for include:

• Skin yeast infections — Red, itchy patches caused by Candida fungus
• Diaper rash with a yeast component — When a baby's diaper rash has a fungal infection contributing to it
• Intertriginous candidiasis — Yeast infections in skin folds (under breasts, in groin folds, between fingers)
• Angular cheilitis — Cracking and redness at the corners of the mouth when caused by yeast
• Perianal candidiasis — Yeast infection around the anal area

It's important to understand that Nystatin/Triamcinolone only works against yeast (Candida) infections. It will not treat other types of fungal infections like ringworm or athlete's foot, which require different antifungal medications. For more on how this medication targets yeast, see our guide on how Nystatin/Triamcinolone works.

Available Forms and Strengths

Nystatin/Triamcinolone comes in two forms:

• Cream — Available in 15g, 30g, and 60g tubes
• Ointment — Available in 15g, 30g, and 60g tubes

Both forms contain the same strength: 100,000 units of Nystatin and 0.1% Triamcinolone Acetonide per gram. The main difference is texture — the cream is lighter and absorbs more easily, while the ointment is thicker and more moisturizing. Your doctor will choose the form that's best for your skin condition and the location of the infection.

How to Use Nystatin/Triamcinolone

Follow these steps for proper application:

1. Clean the area — Gently wash the affected skin with mild soap and water. Pat it completely dry.
2. Apply a thin layer — Squeeze a small amount onto your fingertip and apply a thin film to the affected area and a small margin of surrounding skin.
3. Rub in gently — Lightly massage the cream or ointment into the skin.
4. Wash your hands — Clean your hands thoroughly after application to avoid spreading the medication or the infection.
5. Apply twice daily — Use the medication in the morning and evening, or as directed by your doctor.

Important Application Tips

• Don't use occlusive dressings — Do not cover the treated area with bandages or plastic wrap unless your doctor specifically tells you to. Covering increases the absorption of the steroid component.
• Don't apply to the face long-term — Facial skin is thinner and more sensitive to steroid side effects.
• Don't use more than prescribed — Applying more cream won't speed healing and increases the risk of side effects.

Dosage and Treatment Duration

The standard dosage is a thin layer applied to the affected area twice daily (morning and evening). Most treatment courses last approximately 2 weeks. Key points about duration:

• Do not use Nystatin/Triamcinolone for more than 25 days without medical supervision
• If your condition hasn't improved after 2 weeks, contact your doctor — you may need a different treatment
• Don't stop using it early just because symptoms improve. Finish the course your doctor prescribed to fully clear the infection.

Who Should Not Use Nystatin/Triamcinolone

This medication is not appropriate for everyone. Do not use Nystatin/Triamcinolone if you have:

• Viral skin infections — Including herpes simplex (cold sores), chickenpox, or shingles. The steroid component can make viral infections worse.
• Bacterial skin infections — Unless you're also using an appropriate antibiotic
• Tuberculosis of the skin
• Allergy to Nystatin, Triamcinolone, or any inactive ingredient in the formulation

Special Populations

Children

Nystatin/Triamcinolone can be used in children but requires extra caution. Children have a higher body surface area to weight ratio, meaning they absorb more of the steroid through their skin. Use the smallest effective amount for the shortest time. It is not recommended under diapers, as the diaper acts like an occlusive dressing and increases absorption significantly.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Nystatin/Triamcinolone is classified as Pregnancy Category C — it should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. If you're breastfeeding, discuss use with your doctor, as it's unknown whether the medication passes into breast milk.

Elderly Patients

Older adults should use Nystatin/Triamcinolone with caution because aging skin is thinner and absorbs more medication, increasing the risk of side effects. To learn about potential side effects, read our detailed guide on Nystatin/Triamcinolone side effects.

Is Nystatin/Triamcinolone a Controlled Substance?

No. Nystatin/Triamcinolone is not a controlled substance. Any licensed healthcare provider can prescribe it without special DEA authorization. You can learn more about getting a prescription in our guide on how to find a doctor who can prescribe Nystatin/Triamcinolone.

Cost and Availability

Since only generic versions are available, Nystatin/Triamcinolone is relatively affordable. Typical costs are:

• 30g tube: $15–$45 without insurance
• 60g tube: $25–$80 without insurance
• With discount cards: As low as $10–$25 for a 30g tube

Most insurance plans cover Nystatin/Triamcinolone as a preferred generic (Tier 1 or Tier 2), and prior authorization is usually not required. For money-saving strategies, see our guide on how to save money on Nystatin/Triamcinolone.

To check if a pharmacy near you has it in stock, visit MedFinder or read our guide on how to check pharmacy stock for Nystatin/Triamcinolone.

Alternatives to Nystatin/Triamcinolone

If Nystatin/Triamcinolone isn't right for you, alternatives include:

• Clotrimazole/Betamethasone (Lotrisone) — Another antifungal/steroid combination that treats a broader range of fungal infections
• Nystatin cream alone — If you only need the antifungal without a steroid
• Ketoconazole cream — Prescription antifungal without a steroid
• Miconazole cream — Available over the counter

For a full comparison, read our article on alternatives to Nystatin/Triamcinolone.

Key Takeaways

• Nystatin/Triamcinolone combines an antifungal and steroid to treat yeast skin infections with inflammation
• Apply a thin layer twice daily for about 2 weeks — don't exceed 25 days without medical guidance
• Available as a cream or ointment in 15g, 30g, and 60g tubes
• It's an affordable generic medication covered by most insurance plans
• Use MedFinder to find it in stock at a pharmacy near you