Side effects of Nystatin
The side effects of Nystatin are minor when given locally or orally. If applied locally in the form of creams, hypersensitivity reactions to Nystatin may occur. Occasionally a rash may occur, with itching and wheals.
Allergic reactions to Nystatin are rather rare, but can be very severe. Severe allergic reactions in the sense of Stevens-Johnson syndrome, which is absolutely life-threatening, have been observed. If allergic reactions to Nystatin or similar active ingredients such as Amphotericin or Natamycin have occurred previously, Nystatin should not be used.
Furthermore, Nystatin is given orally, i.e. via the mouth. The side effects in this case are also minor, because Nystatin cannot be absorbed through the mucous membranes and therefore does not have a systemic effect. In this case the side effects are limited to the gastrointestinal tract. Very high doses may cause loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. In general, however, Nystatin is a well-tolerated active substance with rarely occurring side effects and can even be used during pregnancy and lactation.
Nystatin as cream
Nystatin as a cream is used for fungal infections on the skin surface. Well known are fungal infections on hand and foot or on the nails. But larger areas of skin can also be affected by fungal infections.
For these cases there are Nystatin creams or ointments that can be applied to the affected areas. Special care should be taken in the genital and anal areas, because Nystatin ointment is not suitable for application on mucous membranes. There are special vaginal ointments for the vaginal area which are applied to the outer genital area.
Fungal infections that are not limited to the outer vaginal area but can also be found inside the vagina are treated with vaginal tablets. These are inserted into the vagina where they dissolve. As a rule, these preparations are available without a prescription from a pharmacy.
A popular cream containing Nystatin is the Multilind® healing ointment. Creams are applied to the infected area two to four times a day. For sick children with diapers, the cream should be applied before changing diapers.Fungal infections in the vaginal area are treated once or twice a day, depending on their extent.
Cream and vaginal tablets support each other in their effectiveness. However, a visit to a doctor is still helpful in identifying the doctor of the pathogen and avoiding unnecessary or ineffective therapy. A doctor should be consulted especially in the case of fungal infections in the genital area.
