Nystatin

Uses

Nystatin Cream is used for the treatment of cutaneous or mucocutaneous mycotic infections caused by Candida albicans and other susceptible Candida species. This cream is not used for systemic, oral, intravaginal or ophthalmic use.

Nystatin tablet is an antifungal antibiotic active against a wide range of yeasts and yeast like fungi including Candida albicans. It is used for the prevention and treatment of Candida infections of oral cavity, esophagus and intestinal tract. It provides effective prophylaxis against oral candidiasis in those born of mothers with vaginal candidiasis. It is used for the prophylaxis of Candida overgrowth during courses of broadspectrum antibiotics

Nystatin is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Anal candidiasis, Candidiasis, Invasive, Intestinal Candidiasis, Mixed Vaginal Infections caused by Trichomonas Vaginalis, candida albicans, Oral Candidiasis, Pruritus Ani, Pruritus Vulvae, Skin candida, Trichomonas Vaginitis, Vaginal Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal Candidiasis, Corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses, Cutaneous candidiasis

How Nystatin works

Nystatin is a channel-forming ionophore, meaning it exerts its therapeutic effect via formation of a membrane-spanning pore in the fungal plasma membrane. The formation of this pore results in a change in membrane permeability that allows for leakage of intracellular contents and the subsequent disruption of electrochemical gradients necessary for proper cell function. Selectivity for fungal cells over mammalian cells is due to nystatin’s greater binding affinity for ergosterol, a key sterol found in fungal cell walls, as opposed to its mammalian counterpart, cholesterol.

Dosage

Nystatin dosage

Children:

• In intestinal and oral candidiasis (thrush): 1,00,000 units (1 ml) should be dropped into the mouth four times daily.The longer the suspension is kept in contact with the affected area in the mouth, before swallowing, the greater will be its effect.
• For prophylaxis in the newborn:The suggested dose is 1,00,000 units (1 ml) once daily or as prescribed by the physician.

Adult:

• For the treatment of intestinal or esophageal candidiasis: 5,00,000 units (5 ml) by mouth 3 or 4 times daily. The dose may be doubled, if required.
• For prophylaxis of intestinal candidiasis in adults: 10,00,000 units (10 ml) daily.
• For prophylaxis to suppress the over growth of Candida albicans in patients receiving broad spectrum antibiotic therapy: 10,00,000 units (10 ml) daily.
• For the treatment of dental sores and oral infection: 1,00,000 units (1 ml) suspension should be dropped into the mouth four times daily.

Elderly: Older people with intestinal candidiasis who are unable to swallow tablets should be given 5,00,000 units (5 ml) suspension four times daily.

Adults and Pediatric Patients (Neonates and Older): Apply liberally to affected areas twice daily or as indicated until healing is complete.

Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness have been established in the pediatric population from birth to 16 years.

Geriatric Use: Clinical studies with nystatin cream did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 years and older to determine whether they respond differently than younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.

Side Effects

Nystatin cream: The frequency of adverse events reported in patients using nystatin cream is less than 0.1%. The more common events that were reported include allergic reactions, burning, itching, rash, eczema, and pain on application.

Nystatin tablet: Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea have occasionally been reported with high doses of Nystatin. No systemic effects or allergic reactions have been associated with its oral dose.

Toxicity

The oral LD₅₀ in rats is 10 g/kg. There have been no reports of serious toxic effects following overdosage of nystatin - doses in excess of five million units daily have resulted in nausea and gastrointestinal upset with no other associated effects.

Precaution

Nystatin cream should not be used for the treatment of systemic, oral, intravaginal or ophthalmic infections. If irritation or sensitization develops, treatment should be discontinued and appropriate measures taken as indicated. It is recommended that KOH smears, cultures, or other diagnostic methods be used to confirm the diagnosis of cutaneous or mucocutaneous candidiasis and to rule out infection caused by other pathogens.

Absorption from the gastrointestinal tract is negligible, therefore no special precaution is required to apply in pregnancy and lactation

Food Interaction

Volume of Distribution

Nystatin is not absorbed into the systemic circulation and thus does not undergo distribution.

Elimination Route

Systemic absorption of nystatin is minimal following oral administration, and no detectable plasma concentrations are attained following topical or vaginal administration.

Elimination Route

The majority of orally administered nystatin is eliminated unchanged in the feces.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

Pregnancy Category C. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with any nystatin cream. It also is not known whether this cream can cause fetal harm when used by a pregnant woman or can affect reproductive capacity. Nystatin cream should be prescribed for a pregnant woman only if the potential benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risk to the fetus.

Nursing Mothers: It is not known whether nystatin is excreted in human milk. Caution should be exercised when nystatin is prescribed for a nursing woman.

Mouth/Throat/PO/Topical: Pregnancy catagory C

Vaginal: Pregnancy catagory A

Contraindication

Nystatin cream is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of its components.

There is no known contraindication to the use of Nystatin oral.

Storage Condition

Store at 20° to 25°C. Avoid freezing.

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