Nystatin

About Nystatin

Nystatin binds to the cell membrane of Candida yeasts and makes it leak. Almost none is absorbed from the gut and none from intact skin, so it works only where it touches, which is why it treats the mouth, gut lining and skin rather than infections inside the body. It has no useful effect on bacteria or viruses.

The suspension treats thrush. It is used four times a day, with half of each dose held in each side of the mouth as long as possible before swallowing, and continued for at least 48 hours after symptoms clear; infants are given it by dropper and not fed for 5 to 10 minutes afterward. The tablets treat Candida in the gut lining outside the esophagus, one or two tablets three times a day. Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and stomach upset are the main side effects, and allergic reactions are rare.

The cream and ointment are applied twice a day and the powder two or three times a day until the skin heals; the powder suits very moist rashes. They are not for the eyes, mouth or vagina. Nystatin combined with the steroid triamcinolone is a separate cream and ointment with its own label and precautions.

Taking Nystatin

How to take it

Shake the suspension well. Put half of the dose in each side of the mouth and hold it there as long as possible before swallowing; for infants, use the dropper and wait 5 to 10 minutes before feeding. Tablets are usually taken three times a day. Spread the cream or ointment on the affected skin, or dust on the powder; for the feet, dust the powder into shoes and socks too.

If you miss a dose

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless the next one is almost due; then skip it and carry on as usual.

Storage

At room temperature, tightly closed, away from heat and moisture, and out of reach of children. Do not let the suspension freeze.

Interactions to know about

No drug interactions are listed, since almost none is absorbed. Keep using it for as long as prescribed, even if symptoms ease in the first few days. Stop and contact the prescriber if irritation, a rash or swelling develops. The suspension contains sucrose.

This summarizes the official prescribing information. Your prescriber’s and pharmacist’s instructions, and the leaflet that comes with your medicine, take priority.

Why the cash price for Nystatin differs from pharmacy to pharmacy

Nystatin is a long-established generic in every form, so quotes differ mainly by mark-up and packaging. The suspension comes in small bottles and in 473 mL bottles that pharmacies measure from, so the price follows the volume prescribed. The tablets have fewer makers than the suspension and may need to be ordered. The combination with triamcinolone is a different product, priced on its own.

Ways to pay less for Nystatin without insurance

• Ask the prescriber to write the suspension for the volume the course needs.
• If a named powder such as Nystop is prescribed, ask whether the pharmacy can dispense its own generic nystatin powder.
• If the triamcinolone combination was prescribed, ask the prescriber whether plain nystatin would suit your rash.
• Upload the prescription to Script Unlock so licensed pharmacies can quote their cash price. You pay the pharmacy directly.

Questions to ask your pharmacist about Nystatin

1. 1.How do I give the suspension to a baby?
2. 2.How long should I keep using it after the symptoms go?
3. 3.Which skin form suits this rash best?
4. 4.Will it treat ringworm or athlete’s foot, or only yeast infections?
5. 5.What should I do if the infection keeps coming back?

Related medications