Timodine cream

How does it work?

This medicine contains four active ingredients, hydrocortisone, nystatin, benzalkonium chloride and dimeticone (previously spelt dimethicone in the UK). 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 treat a wide variety of inflammatory skin disorders such as eczema and dermatitis. 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. Benzalkonium chloride is an antiseptic agent which is used to kill bacteria in mild infections of the skin. Dimeticone is a water repellant silicone fluid, which puts a barrier between the skin and any moisture. The combination of these four medicines is used to treat inflamed skin conditions, such as eczema, dermatitis and nappy rash, that are infected with the fungus Candida albicans. The cream is particularly useful when these conditions occur in skin folds. In these areas, friction of the skin surfaces can cause chafing and rawness, and the moist environment is ideal for the growth of bacteria and fungi. This results in infection which causes additional inflammation and itching. This cream reduces the infection, inflammation and itching, and the barrier against moisture makes the skin environment less ideal for fungi to live in.

What is it used for?

Dermatitis and eczema infected with the fungus Candida albicans

Itching of the anus or vagina due to infection with the fungus Candida albicans

Severe nappy rash infected with the fungus Candida albicans

Warning!

Avoid prolonged use on the face.

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.

This medicine should not be used in infants for longer than 7 days.

Wash your hands thoroughly after applying this medicine, unless the hands are the area being treated.

Consult your doctor if any infection spreads, or if after seven days of treatment with this medicine there is little or no improvement in your symptoms, as you may need to stop using this medicine or take a course of antibiotics by mouth.

Not to be used in

Acne rosacea

Bacterial skin infections

Inflammatory rash around the mouth (perioral dermatitis)

Viral skin infections such as chickenpox or herpes simplex

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.

Allergic inflammation of the skin (contact dermatitis)

Worsening of symptoms

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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