How nystatin works
Nystatin is an antifungal agent from the polyene group. It has a fungicidal effect on dormant and dividing yeast fungi (Candida species).
One of the functions of the human immune system is to protect the body from foreign invaders such as fungi. As soon as a pathogen finds its way into the organism, the body reacts immediately and fights it with various mechanisms.
This is especially the case with a weakened immune system, such as HIV disease, after long periods of antibiotic use or chemotherapy. In this case, pathogens such as fungal cells can infect the body, leading to severe symptoms of disease.
Absorption, degradation and excretion
After ingestion by mouth, the active ingredient nystatin is practically not absorbed from the intestine into the blood. Therefore, it can be used well for the local treatment of a fungal infestation in the intestine. It is excreted again in the stool.
Also, when applied to the skin, practically no active ingredient is absorbed. Its effect is limited to the site where it was applied.
When is nystatin used?
- Fungal infestation by Candida fungi of the skin, nails, corners of the mouth, mucous membranes (e.g. vaginal mycosis)
- Fungal infestation due to Candida fungi in the mouth, throat, esophagus as well as the rest of the gastrointestinal tract (e.g. oral thrush)
How nystatin is used
In the case of a skin disease, for example, a nystatin ointment is used to treat only the affected skin area. For an infection of the esophagus or the entire gastrointestinal tract, nystatin tablets or suspensions help best.
For fungal infections in the mouth and throat, keep the nystatin suspension in your mouth as long as possible before swallowing it.
It should be noted that the dosage of the active ingredient is not given in milligrams, but in “I.E.” (= International Units). This makes it possible to dose the active ingredient according to the individual effect rather than by quantity.
Therefore, at the end of the therapy, it must be ensured that the fungal disease has healed completely to prevent a new outbreak. Usually, the treatment is therefore continued for a few days after the symptoms have subsided.
What are the side effects of nystatin?
What should be considered when taking nystatin?
Contraindications
In case of a known hypersensitivity to nystatin, the active substance must not be used. If symptoms of allergy (such as redness, itching) occur during use, the drug should be discontinued and the attending physician should be consulted.
Drug interactions
There are no known interactions with other medications.
Age restriction
For medications that are absorbed by mouth, the high osmolarity of the active ingredient must be considered. “High osmolarity” means that the active ingredient attracts a lot of water from the surrounding cellular environment.
This is not a problem in adults, but in premature infants it can cause severe damage to the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, the use of nystatin in newborns and underweight infants is not recommended.
Due to the very specific and localized effect of nystatin, the agent is considered the drug of choice in pregnancy and lactation. The level of experience is high, and no harmful effects on the child have been observed.
How to obtain medication with nystatin
Medicines containing nystatin are available over-the-counter in pharmacies in Germany. In Austria and Switzerland, however, they require a prescription and can only be obtained with a valid prescription.
The active ingredient nystatin was discovered in 1948 as the first, highly effective agent against fungal diseases and has since saved countless lives. To this day, nystatin is considered very effective against superficial fungal diseases and is therefore still widely used.
