Nystatin - Benefits, dosage and side effects

Nystatin is a drug used to treat fungal infections, especially yeast infections Candida. This drug can treat candidiasisthat happened in the oral cavity, throat, intestines, and vagina.

Nystatin is an antifungal drug that works by damaging fungal cell membranes. As a result, fungal cells will stop growing and developing. Nystatin is effective in treating candidiasis, which is a fungal infection caused by Candida. This drug is available in several forms, namely liquid suspension, oral tablets, vaginal tablets (ovules), ointments, and creams.

Brand dNystatin agent:Candistin, Cazetin, Constantia, Fladystin, Flagystatin, Myco-Z, Enystin, Fungatin, Kandistatin, Mycostatin, Nocandis, Nymiko, Nystatin, and Nystin

What is Nystatin?

groupantifungal
CategoryPrescription drugs
BenefitOvercoming candidiasis in the oral cavity, throat, intestines, skin, and vagina.
Consumed byAdults and children
Nystatin for pregnant and lactating womenCategory C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus.

Nystatin is not known to be absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first.

Drug formOintments, suspension fluids, oral tablets, and vaginal tablets

Warnings Before Using Nystatin:

  • Do not use nystatin if you have a history of allergy to this drug.
  • Tell your doctor if you have a history of liver disease, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, or kidney disease.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
  • Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including supplements and herbal products.
  • See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction or overdose after taking nystatin.

Dosage and Instructions for Use of Nystatin

The dose of nystatin is different for each patient. The doctor will determine the dose and duration of treatment according to the patient's condition. The following is the distribution of nystatin doses based on the form of the drug:

Oral form (suspension liquid, drops)

  • Condition: Oral candidiasis

    Mature: 100,000 units, 4 times a day. Treatment can be done for 7-14 days.

    Children: 100,000 units, 4 times a day.

  • Condition: Prevention of candidiasis in newborns

    Given to newborns of mothers suffering from vaginal candidiasis at a dose of 100,000 units, once a day.

  • Condition: Intestinal candidiasis

    Mature: 500,000-1,000,000 units, 3-4 times a day.

    Children: 100,000 units, 4 times a day.

Topical forms (ointments, vaginal creams)

  • Condition: fungal skin infection

    Adults and children: smeared on the infected part of the fungus 2 times a day.

  • Condition: Vaginal candidiasis

    Mature: applied to the vagina (intravaginal) as much as 100,000 units, 1-2 times a day, for 14 days.

Vaginal tablet form

  • Condition: Vaginal candidiasis

    Mature: 100,000–200,000 units, 1–2 times a day, for 14 days.

How to Use Nystatin Correctly

Be sure to read the instructions on the medicine package and follow your doctor's advice before using nystatin. Be sure to use nystatin according to the recommended dosage. Do not increase the dose without consulting your doctor first.

For nystatin liquid suspension, shake medication before use. Drop the liquid suspension into the mouth with the pipette provided. Keep the medicine on the infected mouth for as long as possible, if the infection is in the oral cavity. If necessary, the liquid is gargled in the mouth, then swallowed.

Nystatin ovules (vaginal tablets) are used only in the vagina. Insert 1 tablet into the vagina before bedtime according to the doctor's recommended dose.

Nystatin ointment should only be used on the skin. Clean the infected area, then dry it, then apply nystatin evenly on the area. Do not forget to wash your hands after using this medicine.

Do not cover the area that has been smeared with this medicine with a bandage. Covering the area with nystatin can increase the risk of irritation. If giving this medicine to a baby, avoid using a diaper that is too tight.

Avoid nystatin from sun exposure and store at room temperature. Keep out of reach of children.

Nystatin Interactions with Other Drugs

It is not known for certain the drug interactions that occur when nystatin is used in combination with other drugs. However, nystatin may cause a mild interaction effect when used with yeast products produced by Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Avoid using nystatin with these yeast products. If you are or will be using medications, supplements, or herbal products, be sure to check with your doctor first.

Nystatin Side Effects and Dangers

Common side effects after taking oral nystatin (oral tablets or suspension solution) are:

  • Nauseous
  • Throw up
  • Stomach ache
  • Diarrhea

Side effects that can occur after using nystatin tablets or vaginal creams are irritation, itching, or burning in the vagina.

Check with the doctor if the complaint persists. Immediately see a doctor if an allergic drug reaction occurs after using nystatin which is characterized by the appearance of an itchy skin rash, swelling of the lips or eyelids, and difficulty breathing.

Although rare, you are also advised to see a doctor immediately if you experience more serious side effects, such as a faster heart rate, wheezing, or muscle pain.