Timodine

Timodine can be used to treat infected and inflamed skin conditions, usually where there is a fungal or minor bacterial infection. This item is available for next day delivery from The Online Clinic.

Can I get Timodine online?

The Online Clinic is prepared to prescribe Timodine in certain circumstances. We just need you to complete a short medical consultation form that is reviewed by a doctor before prescribing.

What is Timodine?

Some skin conditions, particularly those that occur between folds of skin, occur due to fungal infection from Candida albicans. These include anal and vaginal itching, nappy rash, dermatitis, and eczema. Infection arises where there is dampness due to sweating and inflammation occurs because the folds of skin rub together (e.g. between buttocks or thighs, and under breasts). Such conditions may require treatment with Timodine that combines four active medicines, namely nystatin, hydrocortisone, benzalkonium chloride and dimeticone.

Nystatin is an antifungal treatment that kills fungi and yeasts (e.g. Candida albicans) by damaging their cell membranes. Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid (also known as a mild steroid), which reduces skin inflammation by preventing skin cells from releasing chemicals that cause the skin to become red, swollen, itchy and sore. Benzalkonium chloride is an antiseptic medicine that kills the bacteria in the infection. Dimeticone is a water-repellent, which prevents the skin becoming damp by shielding the skin from any moisture, and therefore reduces conditions ideal for fungal growth.

How to use Timodine

Timodine is a cream to be used according to your doctor's advice. To the inflamed area of skin, the medicine is usually applied as a thin layer and rubbed in thoroughly three times a day. Wash your hands before and after use.

Unless instructed by your doctor, limit use to seven days. Use over long periods of time could result in the cream becoming ineffective for you, and you could become allergic to it. You should also not use Timodine on large areas of skin or under dressings.

If you use too much Timodine on a regular basis you may have side effects. Contact your doctor if you swallow the medicine; it may cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea, so drinking a glass of milk may help. If you forget a dose, then just apply it at the next scheduled application. If Timodine is used at the same time as other skin medicines, ensure you leave several minutes between treatment applications.

Who can use Timodine?

Timodine may be used by individuals of all ages, although special care should be taken in older people and if used on new-born babies (we do not prescribe for children). However, it should not be used by those who are allergic to any of the ingredients in the cream. Do not use Timodine on skin ulcers or any untreated skin infection. Neither should Timodine be used for some skin conditions, such as rosacea (red, inflamed skin on your face) or perioral dermatitis (red spotted rash around your mouth), as it could make them worse.

Care should also be taken if the recipient has itchy (pruritis), damaged, sore, or thin skin, acne, or infected wounds. Absorption of the medicine may be increased in such cases, as well as when it is used between skin folds or for nappy rash, so consult your doctor. The presence of liver disease is also cautionary.

Effects of Timodine on the baby when used by women during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown, so inform your doctor if you are pregnant (or trying to get pregnant) or are breastfeeding. Finally, let your doctor know about any prescription and over-the-counter medicines that you are taking or have recently taken.

Timodine Side Effects

Some people develop an allergy to Timodine, which is recognised by rash, nausea, swallowing/breathing problems, swelling of the lips/face/throat/tongue, weakness, or feeling giddy/faint. See medical advice immediately.

It is possible that Timodine may cause your skin to become thin, show dilated blood vessels, and develop stretch marks. It may also lose its colour or appear red-purple where the cream is applied, and have excessive hair growth. Timodine may also cause or worsen facial redness and inflammation, red spotted rashes around the mouth, acne, or spread untreated infection. You may become tired, depressed or anxious or develop a puffy and rounded face (known as Cushing's syndrome) due to malfunctioning of your adrenal glands, but this usually occurs only when too much cream is used or it is used for too long.

Reviewed by: Dr Loraine Haslam MBBS, DRCOG, DFSRH, LoC SDI, LoC IUT, MRCGP
GMC registration number: 4524038
Date: 22 January 2024
Next review: 21 January 2026
All UK registered doctors can have their registration checked on
The Medical Register at the GMC website.

Information Leaflet

Source and further information

Download Timodine Patient Information Leaflet