“What is Acuatim?”
“I’d like to know about Acuatim’s effects and how to apply it depending on the type.”
If these questions sound familiar, read on.
Acuatim is a topical medication used to treat acne. Beyond acne, it may also help improve skin infections such as impetigo, tinea (athlete’s foot), and furuncles (boils).
Using it incorrectly may increase the risk of side effects, so it is important to follow the prescribed dosage and directions.
This page explains Acuatim’s effects, potential side effects, the differences between each formulation, and how to apply each type.
If you are concerned about acne or acne scars, please also refer to the articles below.
They introduce the types of acne and acne scars and compare treatment options, so you can explore the approach that best suits your concerns.
Published: May 26, 2023 | Updated: June 9, 2023 — For treatment of acne scars such as craters and pigmentation, see here. Learn more about IC Clinic’s acne treatment “Agnes.” At our clinic …

Types and Causes of Acne Scars: Treatments and Pricing Explained
For treatment of whiteheads, red pimples, and other acne before they become scars, see here. Learn more about IC Clinic’s acne scar treatment “Dermapen Microneedling.” At our clinic …
At our clinic, we propose a treatment plan tailored to each individual patient and provide care focused on results.
We will carefully listen to your concerns and symptoms, so please book a consultation using the button below.
Table of Contents
- 1 What Is Acuatim? A Topical Medication for Skin Infections and Acne
- 2 Differences Between Acuatim Cream, Ointment, and Lotion
- 3 What Are Acuatim’s Effects? Acne, Impetigo, Tinea, Furuncles, and More
- 3.1 Is Acuatim Effective for Genital Infections? Its Use in Herpes Treatment
- 3.2 Can Acuatim Help with Acne Scars? A Preventive Effect May Be Expected
- 4 What Are Acuatim’s Side Effects? Flushing, Redness, and More
- 5 [By Formulation] How to Apply and Use Acuatim
- 5.1 Type ① How to Apply and Use Acuatim Cream
- 5.2 Type ② How to Apply and Use Acuatim Lotion
- 5.3 Type ③ How to Apply and Use Acuatim Ointment
- 5.4 Can Acuatim Be Used on Wounds? Yes, It Can Be Applied Without Issue
- 5.5 Precautions Before Using Acuatim | Those Who Are Pregnant Should Consult a Doctor
- 5.6 How Long Should Acuatim Be Used? This Varies Among Individuals
- 6 Acuatim Cream, Lotion, and Ointment Are Not Available Over the Counter or at Pharmacies
- 6.1 Can Over-the-Counter Medications Substitute for Acuatim? Those Unsure Should See a Doctor for a Prescription
- 6.2 Are There Generic Versions of Acuatim? Towa and Nadibact Are Available
- 7 If You Are Struggling with Acne, Consider Acuatim
What Is Acuatim? A Topical Medication for Skin Infections and Acne

Acuatim is a topical medication used to treat skin infections and acne. Its active ingredient is nadifloxacin.
Skin infections occur when bacteria such as Staphylococcus epidermidis proliferate in the hair follicles. This can cause inflammation and lead to conditions such as folliculitis (superficial skin infections), sycosis barbae, and acne vulgaris.
Acuatim works to kill and eliminate Staphylococcus bacteria and Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes). It is intended to address bacterial skin infections including redness, swelling, and inflammatory acne.
Differences Between Acuatim Cream, Ointment, and Lotion
Acuatim is available in three formulations: cream, lotion, and ointment. Please refer to the table below for a comparison of each.
| Formulation | Cream | Ointment | Lotion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Characteristics | White cream preparation | White ointment preparation | Pale yellow, clear lotion preparation |
| Active Ingredient | Nadifloxacin | Nadifloxacin | Nadifloxacin |
| Indications | ・Acne treatment ・Furuncle treatment ・Impetigo treatment |
・Furuncle treatment ・Impetigo treatment |
・Acne treatment |
| Side Effects | ・Irritation ・Itching / redness ・Facial warmth ・Flushing ・Skin dryness etc. |
・Irritation ・Itching / redness ・Facial warmth ・Contact dermatitis ・Skin dryness etc. |
・Irritation ・Itching / redness ・Facial warmth ・Contact dermatitis ・Skin dryness etc. |
| Usage | ・Apply to the affected area twice daily ・When used for acne, apply after cleansing the face |
・Apply to the affected area twice daily ・For external use on skin only |
・Apply to the affected area twice daily after cleansing the face ・For external use on skin only |
All three Acuatim formulations are topical medications, and there are no major differences between them by type.
Please consult your doctor or clinic to determine which formulation is most suitable for you.
What Are Acuatim’s Effects? Acne, Impetigo, Tinea, Furuncles, and More

Acuatim may help with the following conditions:
- Acne (acne vulgaris)
- Impetigo
- Tinea (athlete’s foot)
- Furuncles (boils)
Nadifloxacin, the active ingredient in Acuatim, inhibits bacterial growth and exerts a bactericidal action.
It is a treatment medication that may help improve bacterial skin infections caused by organisms such as C. acnes (the bacteria associated with acne) and fungi (associated with tinea).
Is Acuatim Effective for Genital Infections? Its Use in Herpes Treatment
Acuatim is also used in the treatment of herpes.
Herpes refers to a skin infection caused by the herpes virus. Initial infection, reinfection, or reactivation of the virus can cause symptoms such as erosion of the skin and mucous membranes.
In cases where symptoms are severe, topical antibiotics such as Acuatim may be used in combination with other treatments.
Can Acuatim Help with Acne Scars? A Preventive Effect May Be Expected
Acuatim is not expected to have a direct effect on acne scars.
However, because it may help treat active acne, it can contribute to preventing acne scars from forming.
The nadifloxacin in Acuatim kills C. acnes bacteria that cause acne, helping to clear existing acne and thereby reduce the likelihood of scarring.
For details on acne scar treatments, please refer to the page below. If you are concerned about acne scars, we encourage you to take a look.
Types and Causes of Acne Scars: Treatments and Pricing Explained
What Are Acuatim’s Side Effects? Flushing, Redness, and More
Possible side effects of Acuatim include the following:
- Itching
- Irritation
- Redness
- Flushing
- Contact dermatitis
- Skin dryness
etc.
If side effects are severe or persistent, please consult your doctor or clinic.
Please also be aware that Acuatim may cause side effects other than those listed above. If you notice any concerning symptoms, do not ignore them — please seek advice from a doctor.
[By Formulation] How to Apply and Use Acuatim

The application method for Acuatim differs slightly depending on whether you are using the cream, lotion, or ointment. Below is a detailed explanation of how to apply each formulation.
Type ① How to Apply and Use Acuatim Cream
The steps for applying Acuatim Cream are as follows:
- If applying to acne, wash your face beforehand.
- Take an appropriate amount (the quantity needed varies among individuals).
- Apply to the affected area without rubbing hard.
- Wash your hands after application.
Acuatim Cream is a topical medication applied to the affected area twice daily. If you miss a dose, do not apply a double dose at one time.
The amount to use varies among individuals, so please follow the instructions given by your doctor or pharmacist. If you accidentally use too much and experience side effects, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Type ② How to Apply and Use Acuatim Lotion
The steps for applying Acuatim Lotion are as follows:
- Wash your face.
- Take an appropriate amount (the quantity needed varies among individuals).
- Apply to the affected area without rubbing hard.
- Wash your hands after application.
Acuatim Lotion is also applied to the affected area twice daily after cleansing the face. As with the cream, do not apply a double dose if you miss an application.
If the lotion gets into your eyes, rinse immediately with water.
Type ③ How to Apply and Use Acuatim Ointment
The steps for applying Acuatim Ointment are as follows:
- Allow the ointment to return to room temperature.
- Take an appropriate amount (the quantity needed varies among individuals).
- When applying over a large area, divide the ointment into small portions and apply to several spots.
- Gently spread it across the entire affected area without rubbing hard.
- Wash your hands after application.
Acuatim Ointment is also applied to the affected area twice daily. The amount used per application varies among individuals, so please follow your doctor’s instructions.
When applying over a large area, it is also important to divide the ointment into small portions. Gently spread Acuatim across the entire area.
Can Acuatim Be Used on Wounds? Yes, It Can Be Applied Without Issue
Acuatim can be applied to wounds without issue. This is because its active ingredient, nadifloxacin, acts only on bacteria.
However, over-the-counter medications with ingredients similar to Acuatim may not be suitable for use on wounds, as they could potentially damage tissue from within. Please use caution.
If the affected area has an open wound, please consider using Acuatim.
Precautions Before Using Acuatim | Those Who Are Pregnant Should Consult a Doctor
Acuatim should only be applied to the skin. If it gets into your eyes, rinse immediately with water.
The following individuals should take special care when using Acuatim:
- Those who have previously experienced allergic reactions such as itching from any medication
- Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Those who are currently using other medications
Please do not start or stop using Acuatim based on your own judgment. It is important to consult your attending doctor or pharmacist before making any changes.
How Long Should Acuatim Be Used? This Varies Among Individuals
Prolonged use of Acuatim may reduce its effectiveness over time.
Continued use of antibiotics can lead to the development of resistant bacteria in the body, which may cause the antibiotic to become less effective or to stop working altogether.
If you have used Acuatim for the prescribed period and do not feel it is working, please consult your doctor or clinic. It may be necessary to consider a different medication or treatment approach.
Acuatim Cream, Lotion, and Ointment Are Not Available Over the Counter or at Pharmacies

Acuatim Cream, Lotion, and Ointment cannot be purchased over the counter or at a pharmacy. This is because specialist knowledge is required to select and use the active ingredient appropriately.
To use Acuatim, you will need to obtain a prescription from a medical institution.
If you would like to be prescribed a medication suited to your condition, please consult your doctor or clinic.
Can Over-the-Counter Medications Substitute for Acuatim? Those Unsure Should See a Doctor for a Prescription
Over-the-counter medications with effects similar to Acuatim are available. Trying an over-the-counter product to help improve symptoms is one option.
However, if you have concerns about effectiveness or side effects, it is advisable to see a doctor for a diagnosis and an appropriate prescription. In addition to receiving a medication suited to your condition, you will also be able to receive prompt care if any side effects occur.
Are There Generic Versions of Acuatim? Towa and Nadibact Are Available
Generic versions of Acuatim include “Towa” and “Nadibact.” Both are topical medications containing nadifloxacin as the active ingredient, just like Acuatim.
Towa requires a prescription from a medical institution. Nadibact, on the other hand, can be obtained through personal importation.
However, purchasing and using medications through personal importation carries risks. To minimize those risks as much as possible, we recommend obtaining a prescription for a medication suited to your needs from a hospital or clinic.
If You Are Struggling with Acne, Consider Acuatim
Acuatim is a topical medication used to treat skin infections and acne. Beyond acne, it may also help improve conditions such as impetigo, tinea, and furuncles.
It is also used in herpes treatment. While it is not expected to have a direct effect on acne scars, treating active acne with Acuatim may help prevent scarring.
Please note that Acuatim is a prescription topical medication available only through a medical institution and cannot be purchased over the counter or online. Please see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and prescription.
If you are concerned about acne or acne scars, please also refer to the articles below.
They introduce the types of acne and acne scars and compare treatment options, so you can explore the approach that best suits your concerns.

Types and Causes of Acne: Treatments and Pricing Explained
Published: May 26, 2023 | Updated: June 9, 2023 — For treatment of acne scars such as craters and pigmentation, see here. Learn more about IC Clinic’s acne treatment “Agnes.” At our clinic …
Types and Causes of Acne Scars: Treatments and Pricing Explained
For treatment of whiteheads, red pimples, and other acne before they become scars, see here. Learn more about IC Clinic’s acne scar treatment “Dermapen Microneedling.” At our clinic …
At our clinic, we propose a treatment plan tailored to each individual patient and provide care focused on results.
We will carefully listen to your concerns and symptoms, so please book a consultation using the button below.