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nystatin

A07AA02

Forms & Strengths

Oral Suspension: 100,000 units/mL
Oral Tablets: 500,000 units
Topical Cream: 100,000 units/g
Topical Ointment: 100,000 units/g
Topical Powder: 100,000 units/g
Vaginal Tablets: 100,000 units

Adult Dosing

Oral candidiasis (suspension): 400,000 to 600,000 units 4 times daily, swish and retain as long as possible before swallowing
Intestinal candidiasis (tablets): 500,000 to 1,000,000 units 3 times daily
Cutaneous/mucocutaneous candidiasis (topical): Apply to affected areas 2 to 4 times daily
Vaginal candidiasis: 100,000 units (1 tablet) intravaginally daily for 14 days

Pediatric Dosing

Oral candidiasis (infants): 200,000 units (2 mL) 4 times daily (1 mL in each side of mouth); premature/low birth weight infants: 100,000 units 4 times daily
Oral candidiasis (children): 400,000 to 600,000 units 4 times daily
Cutaneous candidiasis (pediatric): Apply topical cream, ointment, or powder 2 to 4 times daily

Indications

Treatment of candidal infections of the skin, mucous membranes, and intestinal tract
Oral candidiasis (thrush)
Vulvovaginal candidiasis

Mechanism of Action

Polyene antifungal antibiotic that binds to sterols (primarily ergosterol) in the cell membrane of susceptible Candida species
Alters cell membrane permeability, causing leakage of intracellular components (potassium, molecules, ions), leading to cell death

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to nystatin or any component of the formulation

Adverse Reactions

Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (primarily with high oral doses)
Oral irritation or sensitization
Contact dermatitis or local irritation with topical administration

Drug Interactions

No significant systemic drug-drug interactions due to negligible absorption from the gastrointestinal tract and intact skin/mucous membranes
Antacids may theoretically affect efficacy if interacting directly in the GI tract, though not clinically significant

Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use