Nystatin is an antifungal drug, commonly prescribed to treat yeast and fungal infections. It is considered a relatively safe drug to treat oral or gastrointestinal problems related to Candida species.
Nystatin has been a proven cure for cutaneous, vaginal, mucosal, and esophageal candidiasis. It is even prescribed in the treatment of neonatal oral candidiasis of more than one month of age. However, for younger babies, miconazole is the appropriate alternative medicine.
So how does nystatin cure candida infection?
Nystatin binds to ergosterol, which is a major component of the fungal cell membrane, Candida albicans or any other fungus. When nystatin is present in adequate amounts in the cell membrane of the fungus, it can form pores in the membrane, causing potassium ions to leak out of the cell, leading to the death of the fungus.
How is it that the drug does not affect humans?
The reason is that ergosterol is fairly unique to fungal cell membranes. Therefore, it does not have any catastrophic effects on animals or humans. Also, since nystatin is not absorbed from the intestine, it is safe to drink orally and has no problems with drug interactions, especially if you are taking other medications.
However, Nystatin does cause some side effects, but not all people are susceptible to this. Some of the side effects are itching, irritation, and burning in the vagina when used to treat that part of the body. For tablets and liquid nystatin, these are the common side effects: diarrhea, upset stomach, stomach pain, and skin rash. If you think the side effect is too much to bear, better consult a doctor.
What are the forms of Nystatin plus, when and how to use it?
Tablet or lozenge (lozenges): Nystatin tablets are usually swallowed with water, while lozenges are dissolved in the mouth rather than swallowed or chewed. It is much more effective that way in treating oral thrush. Then continue to use nystatin tablets even if the symptoms of oral thrush have subsided. Use the nystatin tablets for two more days.
Liquid form: The bottle of Nystatin liquid must be shaken well before each use so that the medication is evenly distributed. For mouth infections, use three to five times a day. So put half the dose of the liquid in each side of your mouth and swish and gargle for one minute and swallow. Afterwards, do not drink water immediately. Wait at least five minutes before doing so. For intestinal infections, take the medicine three times a day and swallow it directly without gargling or swish.
Vaginal creams and tablets: Nystatin vaginal creams and tablets are commonly applied once or twice daily to the vaginal area. The tablets are almost always used for a period of two weeks for women who are not pregnant. While pregnant women can also use Nystatin for three to six weeks before giving birth.
Here are some instructions to follow when inserting tablets or creams into the vagina. First, please read the instructions before launching the app. Along with the cream or tablet there is a special applicator, fill the applicator to the indicated level. Then lie on your back in bed with your knees bent, apart, and feet flat on the bed. Relax, then gently insert the applicator into your vagina (as high as it will go) and press the plunger to release the medication. Then, remove the applicator and rinse it with soap and warm water while you wash your hands to avoid spreading the yeast infection.
More tips: You can use sanitary pads to protect your underwear and clothing from stains. However, a tampon is not recommended because it will only absorb the drug. Do not douche unless prescribed by a doctor and continue to use Nystatin even if you have your period in the middle of treatment.
If you miss a dose, apply the medicine as soon as you remember or if the next dose is close, skip the one you missed and never try to double the dose just to make up for the one you missed.
What are the brands of Nystatin available in pharmacies?
To name a few: Nystan (Oral Tablets, Topical Ointments), Infestat, Nystalocal, Nystamont, Nystop (Topical Powder), Nystex, Mykinac, Nysert (Vaginal Suppositories), Nystaform (Topical Cream & Ointment), Nilstat (Vaginal Tablet, Drops) , Korostatin (vaginal tablets), Mycostatin (vaginal tablets and topical powder), Nidoflor, Lystin and many more…
