Nystatin is used in medicine for the treatment of fungal infections, so the active substance is a so-called antifungal agent. Nystatin can be used to treat both skin and mucous membranes. Fungal diseases in humans are caused by three different classes of human pathogenic fungi: dermatophytes, yeasts and molds. The active ingredient nystatin is used in particular in the treatment of yeast infections.
What is nystatin?
Nystatin is used in medicine for the treatment of yeast infections, these can occur in the area of the mucous membranes of the digestive tract, the anus or even the sexual organs. Nystatin is present both in preparations that are applied directly to the skin and in preparations that are used orally. Fungal diseases in the mouth area are often caused by so-called yeast fungi, which is why the active ingredient nystatin is used specifically for oral thrush. Yeast fungi are also responsible for the development of so-called diaper dermatitis in newborns and infants; the active ingredient nystatin is also successfully used locally for treatment in these cases. Other areas of application are the pubic and anal regions and the entire digestive tract. As a chemical substance, nystatin has the property of inhibiting the growth of fungi. The undisturbed spread and multiplication of fungi is prevented by the application of nystatin.
Medical application and use
Nystatin is therefore suitable for effectively combating a fungal infection on the skin or mucous membrane. Thus, the symptoms of yeast infections in the area of the mucous membranes of the digestive tract, the anus or even the genital organs can be alleviated. Oral administration of nystatin can eliminate yeast foci in the digestive tract. Nystatin is a polyene-based antifungal agent. In cases of proven hypersensitivity to polyene-based antifungal agents, nystatin may only be used after explicit consultation with the attending physician. In principle, the active ingredient nystatin may be used during pregnancy and lactation, as no adverse effects have been demonstrated to date. The active substance nystatin may also be used in children with yeast infections, but treatment with nystatin should be avoided in very underweight or immature premature babies. Like other antifungal agents, the active ingredient nystatin may cause certain side effects. The side effects caused by nystatin can be described as rare and occur in only a few patients. Drugs and preparations containing nystatin are available as tablets, suspensions, ointments or vaginal suppositories. A special feature of the active ingredient nystatin is its oral application. It has been proven beyond doubt that nystatin is not absorbed into the body via the digestive tract. Rather, the active ingredient nystatin develops its full efficacy in the entire gastrointestinal tract when used as a tablet. However, it has also been observed that yeast fungi can develop resistance to the active ingredient nystatin. If so, it would be necessary to determine whether treatment with nystatin is still indicated, especially in cases of recurrent infections.
Risks and side effects
Interactions with other drugs have not been reported to date in connection with the treatment of nystatin. When applied topically to the skin or mucous membranes, nystatin may in rare cases cause hypersensitivity reactions, including in particular itching, burning or redness. In the case of so-called scatter reactions, treatment with nystatin should be discontinued prematurely. In this case, the papules, redness or blisters also spread beyond the application site.The most common pathogenic yeast fungus in humans is Candida albicans. It is a so-called facultative pathogenic germ, which means that it does not necessarily cause infectious diseases at all, but only under certain conditions. Even in a healthy person, this type of fungus colonizes the skin and mucous membrane. Only a weakened immune system can cause the yeast fungi to multiply and spread explosively. In these cases, treatment with the active substance nystatin is indicated. After discontinuation of the corresponding preparations, the side effects should have disappeared within a very short time.Side effects that have been observed in connection with the use of nystatin are gastrointestinal disorders, for example, nausea and diarrhea and vomiting. Hives and skin rash may occasionally occur with the use of nystatin. A severe skin reaction called Stevens-Johnson syndrome occurs extremely rarely during treatment with nystatin.
