Nystatin

Indications

Nystatin is used for: Fungal infections, Oropharyngeal candidiasis, Vaginal candidiasis, Intestinal candidiasis

Adult Dose

Oral Oral candidiasis Adult: As oral susp or drop : 100,000-600,000 U (1-6 ml drop) into the mouth 4 times daily. Keep in contact w/ affected area as long as possible. Continue for 48 hr after clinical cure to prevent relapse. Intestinal candidiasis Adult: As tab or oral susp/drop: 500,000 or 1,000,000 U 3-4 times daily. Prophylaxis: 1,000,000 U daily. Vaginal Vulvovaginal candidiasis Adult: insert 1 vaginal tablet into vagina daily at bedtime for 14 days or longer.

Child Dose

As oral susp or drop Infants: PO: 2 mL/dose, children 4–6 mL/dose, to coat oral mucosa q6h As tab Child: PO: 3–6 tabs/day tid For prophylaxis of oral candidiasis in the newborn the suggested dose is 1 ml (100,000 U) once daily. Administration should be continued for 48 hours after clinical cure to prevent relapse.

Renal Dose

Administration

May be taken with or without food.

Contra Indications

Hypersensitivity.

Precautions

Immunocompromised patients. Childn. Pregnancy and lactation. Patient Counselling May damage latex contraceptives (vag). Lactation: Not known if excreted in breast milk; use caution

Pregnancy-Lactation

Pregnancy category: C, ROUTE(S) : Mouth/Throat / PO Pregnancy Category: A, ROUTE(S) : Vaginal

Interactions

Adverse Effects

Side effects of Nystatin : Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, GI upset, oral irritation and sensitisation. Rarely, rash, urticaria, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, tachycardia, bronchospasm, facial swelling, nonspecific myalgia Vaginal tablet: May damage latex contraceptives (e.g. diaphragms, condoms), additional contraceptive measures should be taken. Localized sensitization.

Mechanism of Action

Nystatin, a polyene antifungal, binds to ergosterol in the fungal cell membrane. This binding affects the cell wall permeability allowing leakage of cellular contents.