Nystatin is considered as an antifungal from the group of polyantibiotics and is used as one of the key drugs in dealing with skin and mucosal fungal infections. This drug is obtained from certain fungal species and is considered the most reliable treatment option for this type of infection. Also, some medicinal forms of this drug are used in the mouth, vagina, ear and other internal organs with a doctor’s prescription. In this article, the introduction of the drug Nystatin, the history of its discovery and development, its chemical structure, mechanism of action and numerous applications in the treatment of fungal infections on the skin and mucosa will be discussed.
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Pharmaceutical forms of nystatin
- Edible powder 100,000 units per gram
- Oral suspension 100,000 units/ml
- Oral tablets 500,000 units
- Capsules of 500,000 units and 1,000,000 units
- drop
Nystatin uses
Nystatin treats oral thrush, a fungal or yeast infection in the mouth. This medicine belongs to a group of medicines called antifungals and does not treat infections caused by bacteria or viruses. Also, this medicine is used by the doctor for other applications in the body.
Pharmacological effects and mechanism of action of Nystatin drug
The mechanism of action of this drug binds sterols in the cell membrane of the fungus, changes the permeability and thus causes the leakage of cell contents. Oral absorption of this drug is poor and the relief of oral candidiasis symptoms starts in 24-72 hours. Finally, it is excreted through feces (as unchanged drug).
Dosage of Nystatin
Nystatin drug is only used for the skin of the body and the use of tablets and capsules of this drug affects the skin. Before using (topical), wash the skin well and then dry it. Apply this medication to the affected skin as directed by your doctor, usually 2 or 3 times a day. The dose and length of treatment depends on the type of infection being treated. Take different forms of nystatin according to your doctor’s prescription, taking too much will not speed up your recovery and will only cause side effects.
Time to use nystatin
Before taking nystatin drug, check the drug information on the packaging, including indications for use, amount and time of use. Wash your hands after using this medicine unless you are using this medicine to treat your hands. Do not cover the affected area or allow it to come into contact with air, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. If used in the diaper area for babies, do not use tight diapers or plastic pants. Continue taking this medicine until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Early discontinuation of the drug may lead to the return of the infection.
How to use nystatin
- Oropharyngeal candidiasis (oral suspension), 400,000-600,000 units orally every 6 hours, swish in the mouth for a few minutes and then swallow.
- Intestinal candidiasis (oral tablet), 500,000-1,000,000 units are used orally every 8 hours. The powder of this drug is 1/4 to 1/8 teaspoon in 1/2 cup of water (500,000-1,000,000 units) orally every 8 hours.
- Invasive fungal infections (orphan) liposomal nystatin is prescribed by doctors to treat invasive fungal infections.
- Oropharyngeal candidiasis (premature infants) 100,000 units orally every 6 hours as a dye suspension in oral cavities, in infants 200,000 units orally every 6 hours (100,000 units on each side of the mouth). Also for children (oral suspension), 400,000-600,000 units orally every 6 hours, swish in the mouth for a few minutes and then swallow.
- Intestinal candidiasis in children (oral tablets), 500,000 units – 1,000,000 units every 8 hours. The powder of this medicine (Nystatin) should be taken orally every 8 hours, 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon in 1/2 cup of water (500,000-1,000,000 units).
Precautions
Before taking nystatin, if you are allergic to it or other components of the drug, do not use it. This medicine may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Consult your doctor if you have medical history, including specific skin problems, eczema, infection or fungus near the desired area. This drug can be used in pregnant women only with a doctor’s prescription and approval, avoid excessive and non-prescription use of all drugs during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Before using Nystatin, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to it or any other medication or any of the ingredients in Nystatin tablets or suspension. Ask your pharmacist for a list of ingredients so that the doctor can change the prescription if needed.
- If you are using certain chemical and herbal supplements or medications, consult your doctor regarding interactions and risks. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
- After finishing the prescription, go to the doctor to do the necessary evaluation and check-ups and prescribe other drugs if needed.
- After bathing or washing the affected area, make sure that the area is dry before applying the medicine. Of course, this case is related to topical forms and has nothing to do with oral forms (po).
- To help prevent reinfection, wear freshly laundered cotton (not synthetic) clothing. Tell your doctor if you have sores or blisters that don’t heal properly. If your skin infection recurs after stopping this medication, call your doctor.
- If you are using this medicine for jock itch, do not wear underwear that is tight or made of synthetic fibers such as rayon or plastic. Instead, wear loose, cotton underwear and dry the area thoroughly after showering.
- If you are using this medicine to treat athlete’s foot, dry your feet thoroughly after bathing, especially between the toes. Do not wear socks made of wool or synthetic materials such as rayon or nylon. Wear clean cotton socks and change them at least once a day.
Nystatin contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
Nystatin side effects
Diarrhea, heartache, nausea, hypersensitivity reaction, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, vomiting, etc. are some of the side effects of Nystatin. Also, according to some post-marketing reports, this medicine has caused nausea, vomiting and diarrhea and some allergic skin reactions. If your side effects persist or worsen after stopping the medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist.
- diarrhea
- nausea
- Stomach ache
- Vomit
- Contact dermatitis
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Hypersensitivity reactions
Drug interaction of nystatin
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk of serious side effects. Before going to the doctor, make a list of the chemical and herbal medicines you use and show them to him. Do not reduce, increase or stop your dosage without consulting your doctor. Also, do not use any other medicine on the place where this medicine is used (unless prescribed by a doctor). No dangerous drug interactions have been reported with this drug, however, its use with other drugs should be avoided.
Use of Nystatin during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Nystatin is an antifungal drug that is used topically to treat fungal infections of the skin and mouth. This drug is also used orally to treat intestinal and vaginal fungal infections. Nystatin use during pregnancy is usually safe. This drug has been studied extensively during pregnancy, and there is no evidence of an increased risk of birth defects or other pregnancy complications. However, it is best to consult your doctor before taking any medication during pregnancy.
Nystatin storage conditions
Depending on the pharmaceutical form, Nystatin should be stored at room temperature and away from light. It is also important to keep all medications out of the reach of children, as many forms of medication (such as weekly tablets and eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and can be easily opened by young children. . Unnecessary medications should be disposed of in specific ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot ingest them.
The last word of nystatin drug
As we said in this article from Positive Green Online Pharmacy magazine, nystatin drug has achieved important results as a very effective and basic drug in the treatment of skin and mucosal fungal infections. In general, nystatin has been confirmed as an effective tool in dealing with skin and mucosal fungal infections, and further research in this field can help to develop and improve treatment methods for these types of infections. However, it is recommended that you always consult a specialist doctor and follow medical instructions when using this medicine.
Site source: Medscape