Castor-NF Skin Cream: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & How to Use It Safely

Castor NF Skin Cream, also called Ciprofloxacin, Metronidazole, Terbinafine Hydrochloride, and Clobetasol Propionate Cream, consists of the following ingredients:

• Clobetasol Propionate (0.05% w/w), a powerful corticosteroid.

• Ciprofloxacin (0.75% w/w), a potent antibiotic.

• Metronidazole (2% w/w), another strong antibiotic.

• Terbinafine (1% w/w), an antifungal agent.

Castor-NF Tube Cream Uses

This topical cream is prescribed to treat:

• Bacterial skin infections like impetigo and folliculitis

• Fungal infections, such as athlete's foot or ringworm

• Inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis

• Surgical wound infections

This topical medicine treats the symptoms like itching, swelling, dryness, redness, and discomfort associated with these issues. This helps soothe and moisturize the skin and manage various skin disorders.

How Does Castor-NF Skin Cream Work?

The Castor-NF cream ingredients, like clobetasol propionate, terbinafine, ciprofloxacin, and metronidazole, work together in the following manner to treat skin issues:

• Clobetasol Propionate: A powerful corticosteroid that helps prevent inflammation, itching, and redness in the skin, according to a study.

• Ciprofloxacin: A potent antibiotic that is responsible for disrupting bacterial growth by killing bacteria and preventing their reproduction.

• Metronidazole: Another strong antibiotic that fights off anaerobic bacteria and parasites by damaging their DNA.

• Terbinafine: An antifungal agent that prevents the growth of fungal cells by interrupting their protective covering.

Together, these active ingredients provide quick and effective relief from bacterial and fungal skin infections.

Castor-NF Cream Benefits

This topical treatment provides the following benefits:

• Reduce inflammation: Clobetasol helps reduce skin inflammation that is caused by bacterial and fungal infections.

• Soothes irritation: Calms down and prevents skin irritations caused by different skin conditions.

• Promotes skin healing: Aids in the quick healing of mild abrasions and wounds, restores skin health, and alleviates infection spread.

• Manages dry patches: Treat dry patches formed by microbial infections in areas like knees, elbows, and other dry parts.

Dosage of Castor-NF Cream

• Recommended Daily Dose: Apply it to the affected skin area 3-4 times a day for about 2-4 weeks or as prescribed by your doctor.

• Missed Dose: Apply the cream immediately in case you forget it. But, if the time to use the next dose is close, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular dosing schedule. Avoid increasing the dose without consulting a dermatologist.

• Overdose: Excessive use of the cream can cause side effects like redness, burning sensation, itching, and irritation. In such cases, seek emergency medical guidance.  

How to Use it?

This is how you can apply it: 

• Clean the infected area first and then pat it dry. 

• Apply a thin layer of the topical cream to the infected skin area with a cotton swab or clean fingers.

• Massage the cream gently until it is completely absorbed. Do not rub the product on the skin. 

• Wash your hands after application. 

• Do not cover the infected area with tight bandages or dressings. Lack of oxygen in the skin might worsen the infection. 

Quick Tips:

• This topical product is meant for external use only. 

• Please do not use this product unless your doctor or physician prescribes it.

• Do not use this cream in your mouth and vagina, or around your eyes.

• Apply this medication to the infected area only with clean and dry hands. 

• Avoid getting the infected area moist or sweaty. 

• Do not let it penetrate the skin and avoid contact with the eyes, nose, mouth, ears, and intimate areas.

• In case of accidental penetration, rinse with water thoroughly. 

• Inform your doctor if you have existing skin infections like psoriasis, ulcers, or concerning blood disorders.

• Do not cover the affected skin area with dressings, like bandages, unless doctors advise so, because the absence of air (oxygen) can worsen the infection.

• Never use the topical cream for a longer period or more frequently unless recommended by a doctor.

• If the affected area does not improve or heal after using this cream for 2 weeks, inform a doctor. 

• If the skin area you are applying the cream to, becomes more infected or gets irritated, stop using the cream and see a dermatologist.

Side Effects of Castor-NF Skin Cream 

It can lead to some common, mild side effects that resolve after some time. However, severe reactions need immediate medical help.

Common side effects:​

• Burning, irritation, stinging, and redness at the application site

• Dryness or peeling of the skin

• Itching​

• Skin peeling

Rare but serious side effects:​

• Skin thinning

• Stretch marks

• Systemic absorption, causing hormonal imbalances

• Increased infection​ risks

Note: If any adverse side effects last for a long time or worsen, seek medical attention.

How to Manage Mild Side Effects at Home

Follow these tips:

• Apply an ice pack or cool compress to soothe irritation or burning sensation on the skin.

• Do not rub or scratch the infected area to prevent the risk of further irritation and itching.

• Apply a gentle and fragrance-free lotion to the skin area to keep the skin moisturized and alleviate the chances of dryness and peeling.

• Use the cream sparingly (in small amounts) and as advised by a dermatologist to prevent the risk of skin thinning.

• Even if following these tips, these side effects last or worsen, seek further medical guidance. 

Availability & Pricing

You can find Castor-NF skin cream on different online platforms and pharmacies:

• PharmEasy: ₹80.30 for 25g

• Apollo Pharmacy: ₹99 for 25g

• EGMedi: ₹35 for 5g

The price may vary depending on the retailer and location.

Storage and Disposal of Castor-NF Skin Cream

• Keep it in its packaging and store it in a cool or dry place or as instructed on the pack or label.

• Store it away from direct sunlight and moisture. 

• Do not freeze it.

• Do not let pets or children consume it. 

• Dispose of it when it runs its course.

Precautions and Warnings

Take precautions and safety measures when using Castor-NF Skin Cream in these situations:

• Allergy: If you have an allergy to any ingredients of this topical cream, do not use it.

• Pregnancy: Always discuss the potential benefits and risks of this cream with your gynecologist during pregnancy or if planning to conceive.

• Breastfeeding: Consult the doctors, as they can determine the safe use of this topical cream during breastfeeding and provide appropriate guidance based on the particular situation.

• Alcohol: No, interaction is found between alcohol and Castor-NF cream. So, it's safe to use.

• Liver Issues: If you are living with liver issues, inform your doctors so that they can evaluate the suitability of this cream and provide alternatives if needed.

• Kidney Problems: No precautions are required for people with kidney problems.

• Machinery Use & Driving: As this cream does not impair your alertness, you can drive and use machines.

• Pediatric Use: Avoid using this cream in children under 12 years. For appropriate treatment, visit a pediatrician.

• Older Patient Use: No specific age is recommended for elderly people. But, seek medical advice before using the cream. 

Interactions of Castor-NF Cream

Drug-Drug Interactions

• The following drugs can interact with this Castor-NF:

• Corticosteroids like prednisone and dexamethasone

• Antibiotics such as erythromycin and clarithromycin

• Antifungal medications such as ketoconazole and fluconazole

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like naproxen and Ibuprofen

Drug-Food Interactions

• No specific interactions of food with Castor-NF cream were formed.

Drug-Disease Interactions

Inform a healthcare provider if you have these medical issues, as they might interact with the ingredients of Castor-NF:

• Diabetes: The corticosteroid in the Castor-NF might impact blood sugar levels.

• Adrenal gland issues: The corticosteroid may worsen adrenal insufficiency (when the adrenal glands can't produce sufficient aldosterone and cortisol).

• Liver problems: The cream may get absorbed into the bloodstream and affect liver function.

Dietary and Lifestyle Advice

Follow these dietary and lifestyle measures to enhance the effectiveness of the cream:

• Maintain good hygiene by washing your hands regularly and keeping the infected area clean.

• Do not pick or scratch the affected skin area to prevent the risk of further irritation.

• Wear loose-fitted clothes to ease breathing of the skin.

• Consume nutritious foods like fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and vegetables to promote overall skin health.

• Drink a lot of water to maintain the hydration level and remove toxins from the body.

• If prescribed for kids, make sure they follow a well-balanced diet and practice exercises regularly to support optimal skin health.

• Eat probiotic-rich foods to strengthen the immune system to fight allergies

• Avoid walking barefoot in wet areas such as swimming pools, gym showers, or changing rooms. Wear sandals or flip-flops to prevent the risk of fungal infections.

• Do not share your personal towels, shoes, bed sheets, socks, and combs with others to avoid the spread of infection.

• Limit consumption of foods (for example, dairy products, eggs, nuts, and soy) that may trigger allergies.

• Avoid intake of foods that are high in sugar, as they might worsen inflammation.

• Avoid harsh soaps, rough fabrics, or detergents, as they can further damage and irritate the affected skin.

• Change your socks frequently and wash your feet regularly. Avoid wearing footwear that makes your feet warm and sweaty

Best Substitutes to Castor NF Skin Cream

Some alternatives to Castor NF Skin Cream are:

Summing Up

Castor-NF Skin Cream is a potent topical cream that can treat several skin infections with its effective ingredients like Clobetasol Propionate, Ciprofloxacin, Terbinafine, and Metronidazole. Though it provides huge benefits, it also brings some side effects if used inappropriately. So, always use the cream as prescribed and inform your doctor about your pre-existing conditions. If you experience any side effects, report them to healthcare providers.

Disclaimer: This information is intended for educational purposes only. Always consult a dermatologist before using any topical medication, especially in case of serious skin problems.