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Moderate topical steroid + antibacterial + antifungal Pregnancy: Limited data in pregnant women. Use in pregnancy only if the expected benefit to the mother outweighs the risk to the foetus, using the minimum quantity for the minimum duration. Systemic tetracyclines after the fourth month of pregnancy have been associated with discoloration of the child's teeth, although amounts systemically absorbed after topical use are unlikely to be significant. Safe use during lactation not established; if used while breast-feeding, do not apply to the breasts to avoid accidental ingestion by the infant.

Clobetasone butyrate with nystatin and oxytetracycline

Brand names: Trimovate

A topical preparation combining the moderately potent corticosteroid clobetasone butyrate with the antifungal nystatin and the tetracycline antibacterial oxytetracycline, used for short-term treatment of eczema and inflammatory dermatoses where secondary bacterial and candidal infection is present.

Auto-extracted from the source labelling — not yet independently clinician-verified. These values were distilled from the UK SPC (or the US label where noted) but have not had a clinician sign-off. Confirm against the current SmPC before prescribing.

Adult dose

Dose: Apply thinly and gently rub in, using only enough to cover the entire affected area
Route: Topical (cutaneous) - for topical use only
Frequency: Once or twice a day for up to seven days
Max: Treatment should not be continued for more than seven days without medical supervision
Source is the Trimovate Cream SPC (clobetasone butyrate + nystatin + oxytetracycline). Same posology stated for adults, elderly, children and infants. Creams are especially appropriate for moist or weeping surfaces. If the infection worsens, or if the condition does not improve within seven days, treatment and diagnosis should be re-evaluated. Allow adequate time for absorption after each application before applying an emollient. Advise patients to wash their hands after application unless the hands are being treated. Rebound of pre-existing dermatoses can occur with abrupt discontinuation of topical corticosteroids; if further treatment is needed to control the underlying dermatosis it may be necessary to continue with another corticosteroid preparation not containing nystatin and oxytetracycline. CHILDREN: children are more likely to develop local and systemic side effects and in general require shorter courses and less potent agents than adults; use the minimum amount that provides therapeutic benefit. In infants and children under 12 years, long-term continuous topical corticosteroid therapy should be avoided where possible as adrenal suppression can occur. ELDERLY: no difference in response identified, but decreased hepatic or renal function may delay elimination if systemic absorption occurs - use the minimum quantity for the shortest duration. RENAL/HEPATIC IMPAIRMENT: no numeric adjustment; where systemic absorption occurs (large surface area, prolonged use) metabolism and elimination may be delayed, increasing risk of systemic toxicity - use the minimum quantity for the shortest duration.

Dose auto-extracted from UK Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) via the eMC — not yet clinician-verified. Always confirm against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to clobetasone butyrate, nystatin, oxytetracycline or any component of the formulation
  • Primary cutaneous viral infections
  • Primary infected skin lesions caused by fungi, bacteria or yeasts
  • Cutaneous infections caused by Acinetobacter species, MRSA, Pseudomonas species, Proteus species, Serratia species or Streptococcus B
  • Rosacea
  • Acne vulgaris
  • Pruritus without inflammation
  • Perioral dermatitis

Side effects

  • Telangiectasia (common or very common)
  • Skin atrophy/skin thinning, pigmentation changes, local skin burning/pain, pruritus, erythema, rash, hypertrichosis, photosensitivity reaction (frequency not known)
  • Allergic contact dermatitis/dermatitis, urticaria (frequency not known)
  • Withdrawal reactions - redness that may extend beyond the originally affected area, burning or stinging, itch, skin peeling, oozing pustules
  • Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, Cushingoid features, delayed weight gain/growth retardation in children, hyperglycaemia/glucosuria, glaucoma, cataract, osteoporosis, hypertension
  • Opportunistic infection; hypersensitivity; blurred vision; application site pain/reaction

Clinical monograph

How it works

Clobetasone butyrate exerts topical anti-inflammatory action through glucocorticoid receptors, oxytetracycline inhibits bacterial protein synthesis to provide broad antibacterial cover, and nystatin binds fungal ergosterol to kill Candida.

Prescribing in practice

  • This is a short-term treatment for infected inflammatory skin conditions; prolonged or extensive use risks corticosteroid skin atrophy and promotes antibacterial resistance and sensitisation.
  • The preparation may stain skin, clothing and bedding, which should be anticipated.
  • Avoid the face where possible and do not use on untreated extensive bacterial or viral skin infection without the appropriate antimicrobial cover.

Monitoring

Review the affected skin clinically for response and local steroid effects, and discontinue if there is no improvement.

Counselling the patient

  • Apply a thin layer to the affected area as directed and only for the period advised.
  • Be aware the cream or ointment may stain fabrics.
  • Seek advice if the skin does not improve or becomes more irritated.

Evidence & guidelines

Moderate-potency steroid-antimicrobial combinations are intended for short courses in infected eczema; topical antibiotic use should follow antimicrobial stewardship principles.

Reference: Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. The structured dose values shown have been reviewed by a clinician. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.