Saturday, November 15, 2025

Nystatin – A Reliable Antifungal for Mucocutaneous Infections

 


Explore the comprehensive guide on Nystatin – its mechanism of action, uses, side effects, dosage, contraindications, drug interactions, brand names, and price. Ideal for treating oral and skin fungal infections.


Table of Contents:

1. Introduction  

2. Mechanism of Action  

3. Pharmacokinetics and Dynamics  

4. Indications  

5. Drug of Choice  

6. Contraindications  

7. Side Effects  

8. Drug Interactions  

9. Dosage  

10. Brand Names and Price  

11. Conclusion


1. Introduction:


*Nystatin* is a *polyene antifungal medication* primarily used to treat *Candida infections* of the skin, mouth, throat, and intestines. It is *not systemically absorbed* and is ideal for *topical or mucosal fungal infections*.


2. Mechanism of Action:


Nystatin binds to *ergosterol* in the fungal cell membrane, causing the formation of pores that lead to *leakage of cellular contents* and *cell death*. It is fungistatic or fungicidal depending on concentration and fungal sensitivity.


3. Pharmacokinetics and Dynamics:


- *Absorption:* Poor oral absorption; acts locally  

- *Distribution:* Local action on skin/mucous membranes  

- *Metabolism & Excretion:* Not absorbed; excreted unchanged in feces  

- *Half-life:* Not applicable due to lack of systemic absorption


4. Indications:


- *Oral candidiasis (thrush)*  

- *Cutaneous candidiasis*  

- *Diaper rash caused by Candida*  

- *Esophageal candidiasis (adjunct)*  

- *Intestinal candidiasis (oral suspension)*  

- *Prophylaxis in immunocompromised patients*


5. Drug of Choice:


- *Oral candidiasis* in infants and adults  

- *Topical candidiasis* in moist skin folds  

- Safe in pregnancy and pediatrics due to lack of systemic absorption


6. Contraindications:


- Known hypersensitivity to Nystatin  

- Not for systemic fungal infections  

- Avoid use in eyes or for deep fungal infections


7. Side Effects:

Oral:

  - Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (rare)  

  - Bad taste  

Topical:

  - Skin irritation, itching, rash

- Allergic reactions (rare)


8. Drug Interactions:


- No significant drug interactions due to *minimal systemic absorption*  

- Safe to use with most medications


9. Dosage:


- *Oral Suspension (100,000 units/mL):*  

  - Adults: 4–6 mL four times daily  

  - Infants/children: 2 mL four times daily  

- *Topical Cream/Ointment:*  

  - Apply 2–3 times daily to affected area  

- *Vaginal tablets (where available):*  

  - Insert 1 tablet daily for 14 days


10. Brand Names and Price:


Brand Names:  

  - Mycostatin®️  

  - Nilstat®️  

  - Nystop®️  

  - Bio-Statin®️  

Price:

  - Oral suspension: 10–20 per bottle  

  - Topical cream:5–15 depending on size and brand


11. Conclusion:


*Nystatin* remains a *safe and effective antifungal* for treating *superficial Candida infections*, especially in vulnerable populations like infants, elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Its lack of systemic absorption makes it a *preferred choice* for localized fungal infections with minimal side effects.

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