Antifungal drug : Review Drug

Nystatin used effectively against candidiasis (thrush),

Brand names Nystamont, Nystan

Used in the following combined preparations Dermovate-NN, Nystaform, Timodine, Tinaderm-M, and others

Nystatin is an antifungal drug named after the New York State Institute of Health, where it was developed in the early 1950s.

The drug has been used effectively against candidiasis (thrush), an infection caused by the Candida yeast. Available in a variety of dosage forms, it is used to treat infections of the skin, mouth, throat, intestinal tract, oesophagus, and vagina. As the drug is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream from the digestive tract, it is of little use against systemic infections. It is not given by injection.

Nystatin rarely causes adverse effects and can be used during pregnancy to treat vaginal candidiasis.

INFORMATION FOR USERS

Your drug prescription is tailored for you. Do not alter dosage without checking with your doctor.

How taken

Tablets, pastilles, liquid, pessaries, ointment, cream, gel.

Frequency and timing of doses

Mouth or throat infections 4 x daily. Liquid

should be held in the mouth for several

minutes before swallowing.

Intestinal infections 4 x daily.

Skin Infections 2-4 x daily.

Vaginal infections Once daily for 2 weeks.

Adult dosage range

2-4 million units daily (by mouth); 100,000-200,000 units at night (pessaries); 1-2 applicatorfuls (vaginal cream); as directed (skin preparations).

Onset of effect

Full beneficial effect may not be felt for 7-14 days.

Duration of action

Up to 6 hours.

Diet advice

None.

Storage

Keep in a closed container in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children. Protect from light.

Missed dose

Take as soon as you remember. Take your next dose as usual.

Stopping the drug

Take the full course. Even if the affected area seems to be cured, the original infection may still be present, and symptoms may recur if treatment is stopped too soon.

Exceeding the dose

An occasional unintentional extra dose is unlikely to be a cause for concern. But if you notice any unusual symptoms, or if a large overdose has been taken, notify your doctor.

POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECTS

Adverse effects are uncommon, and are usually mild and transient. Nausea and vomiting may occur when high doses of the drug are taken by mouth.

Symptom/effect	Frequency Common	Rare	Discus doctor Only if severe	with In all cases	Stop taking drug now	Call doctor now
Diarrhoea		•	■
Nausea/vomiting		•	■
Rash		•		■