Trimovate Cream: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Trimovate Cream is a prescription-only topical treatment combining clobetasone butyrate (a steroid), oxytetracycline (an antibiotic), and nystatin (an antifungal). It is used for skin conditions that involve inflammation along with a bacterial or fungal infection, or where infection is suspected or likely. The cream calms itching, redness, and inflammation while working against infection at the same time.

What is Trimovate Cream

Trimovate is a prescription-only topical treatment made from three active ingredients: clobetasone butyrate (a steroid), oxytetracycline (an antibiotic), and nystatin (an antifungal). It is used to treat skin conditions that involve inflammation along with a bacterial or fungal infection, or where infection is suspected or likely.

Trimovate Cream uses

• Skin infections
• Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
• Allergic dermatitis
• Psoriasis
• Inflammatory skin conditions
• Itchy, irritated or dry skin caused by skin-to-skin contact (intertrigo)
• Nappy rash
• Impetigo
• Seborrhoeic dermatitis when infection is part of the picture
• Anogenital pruritus

Benefits of Trimovate Cream

• Soothes inflammation and offers symptomatic relief
• Works to prevent bacterial or fungal skin infections from spreading
• Relieves itching, redness, and inflammation fast

How Trimovate Cream works

Trimovate combines three ingredients that work together: the steroid reduces inflammation and calms itching and redness, the antibiotic slows the growth of certain bacteria by stopping them from making proteins they need to survive, and the antifungal damages yeast (Candida) cells so they can't grow. Together they calm the skin and treat infection at the same time.

Trimovate Cream dosage

Clean the affected area with soap and water, and dry the skin thoroughly before applying. Apply a thin layer of cream to the affected area and gently massage it in until fully absorbed. Try not to get cream on the surrounding areas of healthy skin. Wash your hands thoroughly after using the cream, unless the affected area is on your hands. The cream is usually applied once or twice a day, but frequency and duration can vary from patient to patient.

Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, and other mucous membranes; rinse with water if accidental contact occurs. Do not use for longer than your doctor or the label recommends. Avoid applying to large areas of skin, broken or severely damaged skin, or sensitive areas such as the eyes unless instructed by your doctor. Do not cover the treated area with dressings unless advised.

If you miss an application, apply it when you remember, but do not use extra to make up for a missed dose. If also using an emollient, allow time for the cream to absorb before applying the moisturiser. Care should be used in children, generally for the shortest duration possible and under close supervision of a healthcare professional.

Available forms and strengths

• Cream

Side effects of Trimovate Cream

Common

• Mild burning, stinging, or irritation at the application site
• Skin reactions or irritation, such as redness, itching, or burning
• Acne or other skin problems
• Folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles)
• Contact dermatitis (skin irritation caused by contact with a substance)

Serious

• Allergic reactions, such as rash, hives, or difficulty breathing
• Thin or fragile skin
• Stretch marks
• Increased hair growth
• Discolouration of the skin cells
• Changes in skin pigmentation
• Visible small blood vessels
• Systemic steroid effects such as Cushingoid features and adrenal suppression, especially in children or with prolonged use
• Photosensitivity reactions in sensitive people

Warnings and precautions

Do not use Trimovate if you have a known allergy to any of its ingredients, a primary viral skin infection, primary skin lesions caused by bacterial, fungal or yeast infection, a confirmed infection with certain resistant organisms including MRSA, or if you have acne, rosacea, or itchy skin without inflammation.

Avoid using this cream for a long time, especially in children and infants, as this may lead to the adrenal glands not working properly. It is generally not recommended to use Trimovate on the face because if it gets into the eyes it can cause glaucoma. Repeated exposure near the eyes, such as on the eyelids, can increase the risk of cataracts or glaucoma. Get checked if you notice blurred vision or other visual changes.

Fabric that has been in contact with this product can burn more easily. Avoid naked flames and do not smoke while using it, since washing may reduce but not fully remove this risk. Using the cream over large areas, under dressings or nappies, on broken skin, or for longer than advised increases the risk of the medicine being absorbed into the body, which can affect the adrenal glands and cause other steroid-related effects.

For external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth, and mucous membranes. Use only for the prescribed skin condition and for the shortest appropriate duration. Because it contains a corticosteroid, avoid prolonged or repeated use without medical advice.

Avoid applying to the face, groin, skin folds, or genital area unless specifically prescribed. Do not apply to large areas, broken skin, or under airtight dressings unless directed by a doctor. Do not use for viral skin infections such as herpes or chickenpox.

Prolonged steroid use can cause skin thinning, stretch marks, discoloration, and increased susceptibility to infection. Unnecessary or prolonged antibiotic use may contribute to antibiotic resistance. Stop and seek medical advice if the rash gets worse, spreads, or does not improve.

There is no specific interaction with alcohol for topical use, but the medicine should be used as directed by a prescriber.

The safety of this cream during pregnancy has not been established, and it should only be used if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks to the unborn baby. Use should be for the minimum amount and shortest duration.

Trimovate should only be used while breastfeeding if the benefit outweighs the risk, using the minimum amount for the shortest time, and it should not be applied to the breasts to avoid accidental ingestion by the infant.

Storage

• Store below 25°C in a dry place, away from direct heat and sunlight
• Keep the tube tightly closed after use
• Store out of sight and reach of children
• Do not use the cream after the expiry date printed on the packaging

When to see a doctor

Contact your doctor or a pharmacist if you experience any unusual symptoms or side effects while using this medication. If the treated area looks more infected, with more pain, swelling, pus, or spreading redness, or if symptoms are not improving after about a week, stop use and seek advice promptly. If you notice signs of steroid absorption into the body, such as unusual weight or appearance changes, stop and seek medical advice.

Alternatives

• Fucibet Cream
• Fucidin Cream
• Nystatin Cream
• Mupirocin Ointment/Cream