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 classes: Mouth and throat products, Polyenes

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jan 15, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is nystatin?

Nystatin when taken by mouth is used to treat yeast infections in the mouth.

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.

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.

Stop using nystatin if you have mouth irritation.

Nystatin may cause serious side effects. 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 of nystatin 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.

Warnings

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use nystatin if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not give nystatin to a child without medical advice.

How should I take nystatin?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

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.

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 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.

What other drugs will affect nystatin?

Other drugs may affect nystatin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Related/similar drugs

fluconazole, clotrimazole, Diflucan, itraconazole, miconazole, Mycostatin

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Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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