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Brand Name

Candistatin

Common Name

nystatin

How does this medication work? What will it do for me?

Nystatin belongs to the group of medications known as antifungals.

Nystatin oral medications in liquid form are most often used to treat fungal infections in the mouth.

The liquid and tablets are used to treat a fungal infection of the intestine known as candidiasis. This occurs when the fungus known as Candida albicans overgrows in the intestine as a result of antibiotic or corticosteroid use.

The skin cream, ointment, and powder are used to treat fungal skin infections.

The vaginal cream and vaginal tablets are used to treat vaginal infections caused by Candida albicans.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

How should I use this medication?

Oral suspension (liquid): The recommended dose of nystatin oral suspension for prevention or treatment of candida infections is 100,000 units (1 mL of suspension) three or four times daily, dropped into the side of the mouth and swallowed. This dose applies to all ages. The solution should be held in the mouth for some time and gargled before swallowing. Dosage may be increased for severe or difficult to treat infections. A 1 mL dropper is supplied with the suspension for easy measurement. The bottle should be shaken before use.

Oral tablets: The usual dose is one tablet (500,000 units) three times daily. In adults, this dosage can be increased to two tablets three times daily if necessary.

Skin cream, ointment, or powder: Cream, ointment, or powder should be applied liberally to affected areas one to four times daily or as prescribed by the doctor.

Vaginal cream: The usual dose is one full applicator inserted into the vagina daily. In severe infections, a dose of one applicator every 12 hours may be given. Usually, treatment is given for two weeks. Treatment should be continued during menstruation.

Vaginal tablets: The usual dose is one tablet inserted high into the vagina using the applicator, once or twice daily. Usually, treatment is given for two weeks. Treatment should be continued during menstruation.

To prevent a relapse, treatment should be continued for at least 48 hours after the symptoms go away, regardless of dosage form.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue on with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

This medication is available under multiple brand names and in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms listed here. The forms available for the specific brand you have searched are listed under "What form(s) does this medication come in?"

What form(s) does this medication come in?

Each g contains nystatin 100,000 units. Nonmedicinal ingredients: talc.

Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.

Who should NOT take this medication?

This medication should not be used by anyone allergic to nystatin or any of the ingredients.

What side effects are possible with this medication?

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your health professional. They may be able to help you to deal with some of the effects.

The following side effects may go away as your body becomes used to the medication; check with your doctor if they continue or become bothersome.

Less common:
• diarrhea
• nausea or vomiting
• stomach pain
• rash

Rare:
• vaginal or skin irritation (with skin cream, skin ointment, vaginal cream, or vaginal tablets)

Contact your doctor at once if any of the following occur:

Rare:
• swelling of the face
• rapid heart rate
• hives
• muscle pain
• difficulty breathing
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome (very rarely)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?

Diabetes: Nystatin suspension contains significant amounts of sucrose; therefore, it should be used cautiously by people with diabetes.

Pregnancy: It is not known if this medication can cause harm when used by pregnant women. It should be used by pregnant women only when potential benefit outweighs risk. During pregnancy, the vaginal applicators should be used only on the advice of a physician. Appropriate measures should be taken to avoid possible reinfection during sexual intercourse.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Nursing women should use it with caution.

What other drugs could interact with this medication?

Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. In many cases, interactions are intended or are managed by close monitoring. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Disclaimer

The information within this website is for Canadian audiences only. This content is for informational purposes only. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you. It should not be relied upon or interpreted as a recommendation for any specific treatment plan, product or course of action. The information on the site is not intended as a substitute of any kind for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Speak to your healthcare professional before taking any product, changing your lifestyle, or beginning or discontinuing any course of treatment. If you suspect that you are ill or may have a medical emergency, contact a physician, a health professional or call 911 immediately.