Generic name: nystatin (oral) [ nye-stat-in ]
Drug class: Mouth and throat products, Polyenes
Availability: Prescription only
Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data available
Brand names: Bio-statin
What is Nystatin?
Nystatin when taken by mouth is used to treat yeast infections in the mouth.
Oral nystatin is not absorbed into your bloodstream and will not treat fungal infections in other parts of the body or on the skin.
Nystatin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.
How should I take Nystatin
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Take this medicine with a full glass of water.
Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
When taking liquid nystatin to treat a yeast infection of the mouth, you may need to hold the medicine in your mouth for as long as possible. This allows the medicine to stay in contact with the infected area. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.
Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antifungal medicine. Nystatin will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.
Nystatin is usually given for up to 48 hours after lab tests show that the infection has cleared.
Store the Bio-Statin brand of nystatin in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
Other brands or forms of this medicine may be stored at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Oral Thrush:
Recommended dose: 400,000 to 600,000 units of the oral suspension orally 4 times a day
Duration of therapy: At least 48 hours after symptoms have disappeared and cultures demonstrate eradication
Comment:
-For the treatment of oral candidiasis, the suspension should be retained in the mouth for as long as possible before swallowing.
Use: Treatment of oral candidiasis in the oral cavity
Usual Adult Dose for Intestinal Candidiasis:
Recommended dose: 500,000 to 1,000,000 units of the tablet formulation orally 3 times a day
Duration of therapy: At least 48 hours after clinical cure
Use: Treatment of non-esophageal mucus membrane gastrointestinal candidiasis
Usual Pediatric Dose for Oral Thrush:
1 month to 12 months:
-Recommended dose: 200,000 units of the oral suspension orally 4 times a day
1 year to 18 years:
-Recommended dose: 400,000 to 600,000 units of the oral suspension orally 4 times a day
-Duration of therapy: At least 48 hours after symptoms have disappeared and cultures demonstrate eradication
Comments:
-Limited data in premature and low birth weight infants indicated efficacy with 100,000 units orally 4 times a day.
-Infants should avoid feeding for 5 to 10 minutes after administration.
-For the treatment of oral candidiasis, the suspension should be retained in the mouth for as long as possible before swallowing.
Use: Treatment of oral candidiasis in the oral cavity
Before Taking
You should not use nystatin if you are allergic to it.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Do not give nystatin to a child without medical advice.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Do not allow nystatin to freeze.
It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org
Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What should I avoid while using Nystatin?
Do not use nystatin to treat any condition that has not been checked by your doctor.
Nystatin side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using nystatin if you have mouth irritation.
Nystatin may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:
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fast heart rate;
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trouble breathing; or
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severe skin reaction--fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.
Common side effects of nystatin may include:
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mouth irritation;
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upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; or
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skin rash.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See more: Nystatin Side EffectsWhat other drugs will affect Nystatin?
Other drugs may affect nystatin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your response to nystatin.
Do not let anyone else use your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the nystatin, call your doctor.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.