Nystan oral suspension (nystatin)
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How does it work?
Nystan oral suspension contains the active ingredient nystatin, which is an antifungal medicine used to treat infections with fungi and yeasts. Nystatin oral suspension is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.
Nystatin kills fungi and yeasts by interfering with their cell membranes. It works by binding to a substance called ergosterol, which is an essential component of fungal cell membranes. This disrupts the cell membrane, causing holes to appear in it.
The cell membranes of fungi are vital for their survival. They keep unwanted substances from entering the cells and stop the contents of the cells from leaking out. As nystatin causes holes to appear in the cell membranes, essential constituents of the fungal cells can leak out. This kills the fungi and treats the infection.
Nystatin oral suspension is used to treat infections of the mouth, throat and intestines with Candida species of fungi, in particular Candida albicans. These fungi are found naturally in the mouth and gut, but can sometimes increase in numbers if the conditions in these areas change, and this can cause infection. Infection with Candida albicans is known as thrush.
Nystatin is not absorbed into the bloodstream, which allows it to act directly in the area of infection. If you are treating an infection in the mouth or throat the suspension should be held in the mouth for as long as possible before swallowing, as this will keep it in contact with the fungi for longer.
What is it used for?
- Preventing and treating Candida infections of the mouth (oral thrush), throat and intestines (candidosis).
- Preventing oral thrush in babies born to mothers with vaginal thrush.
How do I take it?
- Follow the instructions given by your doctor.
- The usual dose for adults and children is 1ml of the suspension dropped into the mouth four times a day after food. Space the doses evenly throughout the day.
- The recommended dose for newborn babies is 1ml dropped into the mouth once a day.
- Shake the bottle before measuring each dose.
- Each dose should be measured using the dropper provided with the bottle of medicine.
- If you are treating an infection in the mouth or throat you should hold each dose of the medicine in your mouth for as long as possible before swallowing it.
- If you forget to take a dose take it as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time for your next dose. In this case just leave out the missed dose and take the next dose as usual when it is due. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
- Treatment is usually needed for seven days, however, follow the instructions given by your doctor. The treatment should usually be continued for 48 hours after the symptoms of the infection have cleared up.
- This medicine should not be diluted.
- You should take this medicine at regular intervals and complete the prescribed course, unless otherwise directed, even if it seems your symptoms have cleared up. Treatment with this medicine should usually be continued for two days after the symptoms have cleared up to make sure it is fully treated and reduce the chance of it coming back.
- This medicine is not absorbed into the bloodstream and so will not be effective for treating fungal infections or disease involving other areas of the body (systemic mycoses).
Not to be used in
- People with rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption or sucrase-isomaltase insufficiency (Nystan oral suspension contains sucrose).
This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.
If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.
- This medicine is not absorbed into the bloodstream in significant amounts from the mouth or gut. As a result, it is not expected to be harmful if used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, as with all medicines, it should be used with caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Seek further medical advice from your doctor.
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
- Mouth irritation. If you experience this you should stop using this medicine and consult your doctor.
- Allergic reactions such as severe skin reactions or swelling of the face, throat or tongue. Stop using this medicine and get medical advice if you experience this.
The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the medicine's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.
How can this medicine affect other medicines?
This medicine does not affect any other medicines, as it is not absorbed into the bloodstream. However, as with all medicines you should tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking before you start treatment with this medicine. You should also check with your pharmacist before using other medicines in combination with this one.
Other medicines containing the same active ingredient
Nystatin oral suspension is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.