Generic name: nystatin (oral) (nye STAT in)
Brand name: Bio-Statin
Dosage forms: oral capsule (1000000 units; 500000 units); oral suspension (100000 units/mL); oral tablet (500000 units)
Drug class: Mouth and throat products, Polyenes
Nystatin is an antifungal medication that fights infections caused by fungus.
Nystatin when taken by mouth is used to treat yeast infections in the mouth or stomach.
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
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use nystatin if you are allergic to it.
It is not known whether nystatin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether nystatin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give nystatin to a child without medical advice.
How should I take nystatin?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
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.
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 avoid while taking 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.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- fast heart rate;
- trouble breathing; or
- 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 may include:
- mouth irritation;
- upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; or
- 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.
Nystatin 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
What other drugs will affect nystatin?
Other drugs may interact with nystatin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.