Pimafucort (Hydrocortisone/Natamycin/Neomycin) Ointment

Pimafucort general information

What is Pimafucort used for?

Pimafucort Ointment is used for the short-term treatment of superficial skin conditions (dermatoses), that have become or are at risk of becoming infected with a bacterial or fungal infection.  These skin conditions include dermatitis (inflammation of the skin), seborrhoeic dermatitis (caused by over active sebaceous glands), eczema also called atopic dermatitis as there is a predisposition due to an inherited atopic tendency, lichen simplex a form of dermatitis made worse by constant itching and scratching.  Also, psoriasis, autoimmune skin condition characterised by a chronic scaly rash.  Pimafucort Ointment helps relieve symptoms like itching, redness, dryness, crusting, scaling and discomfort common to many skin conditions, particularly where there is inflammation and where there is also the added complication of a bacterial and/or fungal (usually candida) infection.

How does Pimafucort work?

Pimafucort Ointment contains a combination of the corticosteroid hydrocortisone, the antibiotic neomycin, and the antifungal natamycin, that work together to treat inflammatory and infected skin conditions. Hydrocortisone in Pimafucort Ointment is a potent anti-inflammatory with anti-pruritic properties (anti-itching) and works by blocking the action of phospholipase A2, the first enzyme involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which are hormone-like substances involved in the inflammatory process; also cyclooxygenase (COX 1 and COX 2), the enzymes specifically involved in prostaglandin production.  Blocking the production of inflammatory chemicals prevents the swelling and redness characteristic of inflammation and the itching and rash formation that can happen as a result of inflammation.  Hydrocortisone in Pimafucort Ointment also causes vasoconstriction (blood vessels contract), which constricts blood vessels that have become dilated (widened) and leaky, allowing other inflammatory cells into the skin to escalate the inflammatory response.  Neomycin in Pimafucort Ointment is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is commonly used in creams and ointments and is effective against a wide range of bacteria that cause skin infections. Neomycin in Pimafucort Ointment works by blocking the synthesis of essential proteins needed for the bacteria to survive and replicate, which kills the bacteria and prevents spread of infection.  Natamycin in Pimafucort Ointment is an antifungal that is particularly active against yeast infections caused by the yeast candida.  It works by binding to ergosterol, an important component of the fungal cell membrane that is not found in animal cells.  Natamycin in Pimafucort Ointment weakens the fungal cell membrane, causing the cell contents to leak out, which kills the fungus.  Pimafucort Ointment helps relieve symptoms of inflammation and prevents spread of bacterial and fungal infections of the skin. 

What does Pimafucort contain?

Pimafucort Ointment contains a combination of three active ingredients: the corticosteroid hydrocortisone (10mg/g), the antibiotic neomycin (3.5mg/g), and the antifungal natamycin (10mg/g), that work together to treat inflammatory and infected skin conditions.  It also contains polyethylene oleogel (liquid paraffin with 5% w/w polyethylene).

Treating infected skin conditions with Pimafucort

Pimafucort Ointment contains a combination of the corticosteroid hydrocortisone, the antibiotic neomycin, and the antifungal natamycin, that are used to treat superficial skin conditions, that have become or are at risk of becoming infected with a bacterial or fungal infection. These skin conditions include dermatitis, eczema, seborrhoeic dermatitis, lichen simplex (a form of dermatitis) and psoriasis, an autoimmune skin condition characterised by a chronic scaly rash.  Hydrocortisone in Pimafucort Ointment is a potent anti-inflammatory with anti-pruritic properties (anti-itching) and works by blocking the production of inflammatory mediators like prostaglandins that cause swelling and redness characteristic of inflammation and the itching and rash formation that can happen as a result of inflammation.  Hydrocortisone in Pimafucort Ointment also causes leaky blood vessels to constrict, preventing leakage of inflammatory cells at the site of inflammation.  Neomycin in Pimafucort Ointment is a broad-spectrum antibiotic effective against a wide range of bacteria that cause skin infections and works by blocking the synthesis of essential proteins needed for the bacteria to survive and replicate, which kills the bacteria and prevents spread of infection.  Natamycin in Pimafucort Ointment is an antifungal that works by binding to ergosterol, an important component of the fungal cell membrane which weakens the fungal cell membrane, causing the cell contents to leak out, which kills the fungus.  Pimafucort Ointment helps relieve symptoms of inflammation and prevents spread of bacterial and fungal infections of the skin.

What are the side effects of Pimafucort?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Pimafucort Ointment include temporary aggravation of the skin lesion, worsening of the skin condition known as rebound effect, skin irritation due to contact allergy to neomycin, thinning or discolouration of the skin, delayed wound healing, discolouration or depigmentation of the skin, reddening of the skin, skin rash, increased hair growth.

When should Pimafucort not be used?

You should not use Pimafucort Ointment if you:

• are allergic to hydrocortisone, neomycin, natamycin, or any ingredients in Pimafucort
• have had side effects to other corticosteroids like dermatitis around the mouth or stretch marks
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor
• have a primary bacterial, fungal, viral or parasitic skin infection
• have ulcers on the skin, wounds or burns

How should Pimafucort be used?

You should apply a small amount of your Pimafucort Ointment to the affected area of skin 2-4 times daily and gently rub into the skin.  Wash your hands before and after use and avoid contact with the eyes. Do not use Pimafucort Ointment on the eye-lids as this can increase risk of glaucoma or cataracts. You should continue to use your Pimafucort Ointment for as long as recommended by your doctor but should not exceed 14 days.   

Pimafucort Ointment should be used for treatment of chronic skin disorders with scaly, dry or fissured skin lesions, and for seborrhoeic dermatitis.

Pimafucort Cream should be used for treatment of acute and subacute skin disorders, particulary if the skin condition is in a hairy area of skin or in skin folds. 

How long should you use Pimafucort?

You should continue to use your Pimafucort Ointment for as long as recommended by your doctor but should not exceed 14 days. 

Missed dose of Pimafucort

If you miss a dose of Pimafucort Ointment apply it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to apply the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not apply a double dose.

How should Pimafucort be stored?

You should store your Pimafucort Ointment below 25°C in a cool dry place.