Oral nystatin is used to treat oral thrush. Topical nystatin is used to treat fungal infections of the skin. Nystatin kills fungus to get rid of an infection or prevents it from growing in the first place. In addition to generic nystatin, you may also find it available under the brand names Mycostatin, Nystop, Nyamyc, or Pediaderm AF.
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Oral Nystatin
Uses
While anyone can develop candidiasis (or thrush), it’s a common infection for people with weaker immune systems, likebabies, older adults, and people living withHIV.
Dosage
The oral version of nystatin comes in liquid or tablet form. The exact dosage will depend on the patient and the severity of the infection, but generally, treatment is recommended for seven to 14 days:
Liquid nystatin is meant to be swished or held in the mouth for 30 seconds before swallowing, and it’s usually advised not to eat or drink for 30 minutes after taking it.
Some people report that nystatin has a bitter taste, but your pharmacist may be able to add some flavoring to make it easier to tolerate. For newborns and infants, liquid nystatin can be applied to the yeast patches with a dropper or cotton swab.
Keep taking nystatin for the full recommended duration, even if you start to feel better or your symptoms go away. If you stop using nystatin too soon or skip a dose, the infection may not be fully treated, and resistant yeast will multiply.
Nystatin works directly in the area of the infection. Because oral nystatin isn’t absorbed into the bloodstream, it can’t be used to treat systemic candidiasis, a fungal infection that affects the blood, heart, brain, eyes, or other parts of the body.
Topical Nystatin
Like oral nystatin, the topical version works when it comes into contact with the fungus, attacking and killing off the fungal cells. Specifically, it targets the protective walls of the fungal cells, causing them to empty and die off.
Topical nystatin should only be applied to the external skin. The exact dosage prescribed will vary depending on the patient and the severity of the fungal infection, though typical treatment lasts for seven to 14 days:
Wash your hands before and after using topical nystatin. You may cover the affected area loosely with a sterile bandage, but try not to use an airtight or plastic-covered bandage so that the nystatin has room to work.
If you get topical nystatin in your eyes or mouth, rinse with water immediately.Continue to use the full course of nystatin, even if the infection seems to be getting better.
Whether you’re using liquid or cream nystatin, talk to your healthcare provider if you don’t notice any improvement in your fungal infection after several days.
Warnings or Interactions
Nystatin has a few common side effects associated with its oral and topical use. If using oral nystatin, you may experience:
If these common side effects worsen or become too bothersome, check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist about whether you should continue taking nystatin. They may be able to recommend a different type of antifungal for your infection.
Rare reactions includeStevens-Johnson syndrome, fast heartbeat, broncho-spasm, swelling, and non-specific muscle aches.
If using topical nystatin, you may experience:
Contact your healthcare provider if this irritation turns into a rash or becomes painful. Allergic reactions also have the potential to occur.
Seek immediate medical care if you experience difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
It’s important to share your medical history and current medications with your healthcare provider before using any form of nystatin. This is especially critical if you have HIV/AIDS, diabetes, or kidney disease, as these conditions may require different medications.
Your healthcare provider should also know if you’re pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, as the effects of nystatin on unborn or nursing babies aren’t clearly known.
Nystatin doesn’t have a high reported risk of interacting with other drugs, but you should still inform your healthcare provider about all medications you’re currently taking, including vitamins and supplements.
A Word From Verywell
While nystatin is often an effective option for eligible patients, your healthcare provider will likely consider your overall health and the severity of the fungal infection before prescribing it. But if your fungal infection is recurring or doesn’t respond well to nystatin, know that there are other antifungal drugs that can be used as a second line treatment, like diflucan.
For a more severe infection that has a risk of becoming systemic, your healthcare provider may also consider a different class of antifungal drugs that can be administered intravenously, or through an IV.
12 Sources
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National Institutes of Medicine DailyMed.Label: Nystatin suspension.
University of Michigan Medicine.Nystatin (oral).
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Cleveland Clinic.Nystatin skin cream or ointment.
National Institutes of Health DailyMed.Label: Nystatin topical powder.
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