Nystaform HC cream/ointment

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How does it work?

This medicine contains three active ingredients, hydrocortisone, nystatin and chlorhexidine hydrochloride. Hydrocortisone is a type of medicine known as a corticosteroid (or steroid). Corticosteroids are hormones that are produced naturally by the adrenal glands, and have many important functions, including control of inflammatory responses. Hydrocortisone is the same as the natural corticosteroid, cortisol, and is used to decrease inflammation in the skin. When applied to the skin it is absorbed into the skin cells. Here it works by preventing the release of certain chemicals from the cells. These chemicals are important in the immune system, and are released as a result of allergy or irritation. They cause blood vessels to widen, resulting in the affected area of skin becoming red, swollen, itchy and painful, as is seen in dermatitis or eczema. By decreasing the release of these chemicals in the skin, hydrocortisone reduces inflammation and relieves itch. There is a range of potencies of corticosteroids applied to the skin. Hydrocortisone is classed as a mild corticosteroid. It is used to reduce inflammation in a wide variety of skin disorders. Nystatin is an antifungal medicine that kills fungi and yeasts by interfering with their cell membranes. It works by binding to a substance called ergosterol, which is a component of fungal cell membranes. Binding to ergosterol disrupts the cell membrane and causes holes to appear. The cell membranes of fungi are vital for their survival. They keep unwanted substances from entering the cells and stop the contents of the cells from leaking out. As nystatin causes holes to appear in the cell membranes, essential constituents of the fungal cells can leak out. This kills the fungi. Chlorhexidine hydrochloride is an antiseptic agent which is active against various bacteria, viruses, bacterial spores and fungi. It kills the micro-organisms associated with various mild infections of the skin. The combination of these three medicines is used to treat skin conditions where inflammation and fungal or bacterial infection is present. The hydrocortisone reduces inflammation, redness and itch, while the nystatin and chlorhexidine treat the infection.

What is it used for?

- Inflammatory skin disorders, eg eczema/dermatitis, with associated fungal or bacterial infection

Warning!

- This medicine should not be used for longer than seven days at a time. If symptoms persist after this period consult your doctor.
- If corticosteroids are used long-term, on large areas of skin, raw skin, skin folds, or under airtight dressings (including nappies) they are absorbed into the body more.

This increases the risk of local side effects such as skin thinning, and those on other parts of the body, such as a decrease in the production of natural hormones by the adrenal glands. For this reason, continuous, long-term use of this medicine should be avoided wherever possible, particularly in children and on large areas of skin. You should only use airtight dressings over the affected area if instructed by your doctor.
- This preparation is for external use only.
- This medicine should be applied thinly and evenly to the affected area(s).
- Avoid contact of this medicine with the eyes.
- If you think you are allergic to this medicine, or if a new infection develops during treatment, you should seek advice from your doctor.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after applying this medicine, unless the hands are the area being treated.

Not to be used in

.

- Acne rosacea
- Acne vulgaris
- Inflammatory rash around the mouth (perioral dermatitis)
- Skin sores caused by tuberculosis

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

- This medicine should not be used during pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. If it is prescribed by your doctor it should not be used on large areas of skin, underneath airtight dressings, or for prolonged periods of time. Consult your doctor for further information.
- This medicine should not be used during breastfeeding unless considered essential by your doctor. If it is prescribed by your doctor it should not be used on large areas of skin, underneath airtight dressings or for prolonged periods of time. If it is applied to the breasts it should be washed off carefully before breastfeeding and then reapplied afterwards.

Label warnings

- This medication is to be spread thinly and sparingly on the skin.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

- Local sensitivity reactions

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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