Generic
Nystatin
15 brands available in the market
At a glance
Nystatin is an antifungal antibiotic active against a wide range of yeasts and yeast-like fungi including Candida albicans. It is used for prevention and treatment of Candida infections of oral cavity, esophagus and intestinal tract.
Description
Nystatin has fungistatic or fungicidal activity against various pathogenic and nonpathogenic yeast and fungi. It binds to sterols in the fungal cell membrane, compromising membrane integrity and causing loss of potassium and other cellular constituents.
Indications
- Oral candidiasis (thrush)
- Esophageal candidiasis
- Intestinal candidiasis
- Prophylaxis of oral candidiasis in newborns (born to mothers with vaginal candidiasis)
- Prophylaxis of Candida overgrowth during broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy
Therapeutic class
Drugs for Subcutaneous and Mycoses, Drugs used in Vaginal and Vulval Condition
Pharmacological class
Polyene Antifungal Antibiotic
Pharmacology
Nystatin binds to sterols in the fungal cell membrane, compromising membrane integrity and causing loss of cellular constituents, leading to fungal cell death.
Mechanism of action
Treats Candida infections by destroying fungal cell membranes.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- Intestinal/Esophageal candidiasis: 500,000 units (5 ml) 3-4 times daily; dose may be doubled if required
- Prophylaxis of intestinal candidiasis: 1,000,000 units (10 ml) daily
- Broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy: 1,000,000 units (10 ml) daily
- Dental sores and oral infection: 100,000 units (1 ml) 4 times daily
Pediatric Dose:
- Oral candidiasis: 100,000 units (1 ml) 4 times daily
- Prophylaxis in newborn: 100,000 units (1 ml) once daily
Elderly Dose: 500,000 units (5 ml) 4 times daily
Administration
- For oral infections: Keep suspension in mouth as long as possible before swallowing for greater effect
- Use measuring spoon
- Take at prescribed times daily
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember; skip if it's almost time for next dose; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Side Effects (High doses):
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
No systemic effects or allergic reactions associated with oral dose.
Precautions & warnings
- Absorption from GI tract is negligible, so no special precautions required in pregnancy and lactation
Contraindications
No known contraindications.
Drug interactions
No known interactions.
Food interactions
Food does not affect absorption.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Absorption from GI tract is negligible, so no special precautions required.
Pregnancy Category: B — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Absorption from GI tract is negligible, so no special precautions required.
Pediatric use
Dose established for children; prophylactic dose established for newborns.
Geriatric use
Dose established for elderly.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Safe in kidney disease; no dose adjustment needed.
Hepatic Impairment: Safe in liver disease; no dose adjustment needed.
Overdose effects
Limited information on overdose; symptomatic treatment.
Storage conditions
Store in a cool and dry place, protect from light; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Nystatin