nystatin

Generic Name: nystatin (oral) (nye STAH tin)

Brand Names: Bio-Statin, Mycostatin, Mycostatin Pastilles, Nilstat

What is nystatin?

Nystatin is an antifungal medication.

Oral nystatin is used to treat yeast infections of the mouth.

Nystatin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about nystatin?

Take all of the nystatin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may begin to improve before the infection is completely treated.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking nystatin?

Nystatin is not absorbed through your stomach. It will not treat fungal infections in any part of your body other than your mouth. Talk to your doctor if you have another type of fungal infection such as athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworm, or a vaginal yeast infection.

Oral nystatin is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether nystatin will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether nystatin will harm a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take nystatin?

Take nystatin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take the oral tablets with a full glass of water.

The troches, or pastilles, should be allowed to dissolve in your mouth. Do not chew or swallow them. Suck on one troche at a time until it is completely dissolved.

Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose.

Use a dose-measuring cup, spoon, or dropper to measure the specified dose of the suspension. Swish the suspension around in your mouth, then either spit it out or swallow it, depending upon the instructions given by your doctor.

Take all of the nystatin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may begin to improve before the infection is completely treated. Store the Bio-Statin brand of nystatin tablets and powder and the Mycostatin Pastilles in the refrigerator. Store all other nystatin capsules, tablets, and suspension at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a nystatin overdose include nausea, stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea.

What should I avoid while taking nystatin?

There are no restrictions on foods, beverages, or activities during treatment with nystatin unless your doctor directs otherwise.

Nystatin side effects

Stop taking nystatin and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

Side effects are not likely to occur with nystatin. Continue to take nystatin and talk to your doctor if you experience

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  nausea or stomach upset,

  
  


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  vomiting, or

  
  


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  diarrhea.

  
  

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Nystatin Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Oral Thrush:

1 to 2 oral lozenges (200,000 to 400,000 units) 4 to 5 times a day or
500,000 units of oral suspension 4 times a day.

Usual Adult Dose for Intestinal Candidiasis:

500,000 to 1,000,000 units orally 3 times a day.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Oral Thrush:

Neonates: 100,000 units of oral suspension 4 times a day.
>1 m >=1 year

What other drugs will affect nystatin?

Since nystatin is not absorbed by your body, drug interactions are not expected. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking other prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

More nystatin resources

• Nystatin Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Drug Images
• Nystatin Drug Interactions
• Nystatin Support Group
• 3 Reviews for Nystatin - Add your own review/rating

• nystatin Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Nystatin Monograph (AHFS DI)


• Nystatin MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Nystatin Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)


• Bio-Statin Powder MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Mycostatin Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Mycostatin Topical Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Mycostatin MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Compare nystatin with other medications

• Gastrointestinal Candidiasis
• Oral Thrush

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has additional information about nystatin written for health professionals that you may read.