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Nystatin

Generic name: nystatin (oral)

Brand names: Bio-Statin

Last updated November 3, 2026 0 views
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What is nystatin?

Nystatin taken by mouth is used to treat yeast infections in the mouth.

Oral nystatin is not absorbed into your bloodstream and will not treat fungal infections in other parts of the body or on the skin.

Nystatin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

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How should I take nystatin?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

When taking liquid nystatin to treat a yeast infection of the mouth, you may need to hold the medicine in your mouth for as long as possible. This allows the medicine to stay in contact with the infected area. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antifungal medicine. Nystatin will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

Nystatin is usually given for up to 48 hours after lab tests show that the infection has cleared.

Store the Bio-Statin brand of nystatin in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.

Other brands or forms of this medicine may be stored at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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Warnings

Use only as directed. Inform your doctor if you are taking other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

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Before taking this medicine

You should not use nystatin if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not give nystatin to a child without medical advice.

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Nystatin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using nystatin if you have mouth irritation.

Nystatin may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

  • fast heart rate;
  • trouble breathing; or
  • severe skin reaction--fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially on the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Common side effects of nystatin may include:

  • mouth irritation;
  • upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; or
  • skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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Nystatin dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Oral Thrush:

Recommended dose: 400,000 to 600,000 units of the oral suspension orally 4 times a dayDuration of therapy: At least 48 hours after symptoms have disappeared and cultures demonstrate eradicationComment:-For the treatment of oral candidiasis, the suspension should be retained in the mouth for as long as possible before swallowing.Use: Treatment of oral candidiasis in the oral cavity

Usual Adult Dose for Intestinal Candidiasis:

Recommended dose: 500,000 to 1,000,000 units of the tablet formulation orally 3 times a dayDuration of therapy: At least 48 hours after clinical cureUse: Treatment of non-esophageal mucus membrane gastrointestinal candidiasis

Usual Pediatric Dose for Oral Thrush:

1 month to 12 months:-Recommended dose: 200,000 units of the oral suspension orally 4 times a day1 year to 18 years:-Recommended dose: 400,000 to 600,000 units of the oral suspension orally 4 times a day-Duration of therapy: At least 48 hours after symptoms have disappeared and cultures demonstrate eradicationComments:-Limited data in premature and low birth weight infants indicated efficacy with 100,000 units orally 4 times a day.-Infants should avoid feeding for 5 to 10 minutes after administration.-For the treatment of oral candidiasis, the suspension should be retained in the mouth for as long as possible before swallowing.Use: Treatment of oral candidiasis in the oral cavity

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

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What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Do not use nystatin to treat any condition that has not been checked by your doctor.

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What other drugs will affect nystatin?

Other drugs may affect nystatin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

Common questions about nystatin

Is triamcinolone acetonide an antifungal cream?
No, triamcinolone acetonide is not an antifungal cream. It is a prescription corticosteroid (steroid) that calms itching, redness and swelling from skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. It does not kill fungus. Using it by itself on a fungal infection such as ringworm, athlete's foot or jock itch can make the infection spread and harder to diagnose. Continue reading

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Before you take this medicine: the information on this page is general and may not cover your personal circumstances. Read the label supplied with your medicine and ask a pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking other medicines or managing a long-term condition.
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