Generic Name : NYSTATIN
Pronunciation : (nye stat' in)
Trade Name(s) : Mycostatin vaginal tabs
Why it is prescribed: Nystatin is used to treat fungal
infections of the skin (including diaper rash and fingernail and
toenail infections), mouth (thrust), vagina, and intestinal tract.
It sometimes is used by pregnant women to treat vaginal infections
and to prevent a fungal infection in the baby's mouth.
When it is to be taken:
1. Nystatin usually is used once or twice a day for vaginal infections,
several times a day for skin infections, three to five times a
day for mouth infections, and three times a day for intestinal
infections.
2. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully,
and ask your doctor to explain any part that you do not understand.
3. Nystatin vaginal tablets usually are used for two weeks in
non-pregnant women and for three to six weeks before delivery
in pregnant women.
4. Although symptomsof mouth and skin infections may improve within
one to three days, nystatin usually is used for at least two weeks.
5. Several months of regular use may be needed to cure infections
of the fingernails and toenails.
How it should be taken:
1. Nystatin comes in the form of tablets to be swallowed for instestinal
infections; in soft lozenges i.e., pastilles to be dissolved slowly
in the mouth for mouth infections; in liquid to be swallowed for
intestinal infections or held in the mouth and then swallowed
for mouth infections; in tablets to be inserted into the vagina;
and in powder, ointment, and cream to be applied to the skin.
2. Your prescription label tells you how to use the medication
and how much to use at each dose.
3. Do not chew nystatin lozenges (pastilles) or swallow them whole;
allow them to dissolve slowly in your mouth.
4. Liquid nystatin comes in a container with a specially marked
dropper for measuring the dose. Shake the bottle well before each
use to mix the medication evenly.
5. If you are using liquid nystatin for a mouth infection, place
half of the dose in each side of the mouth and hold it there for
several minutes before swallowing.
6. If you are using powder for infected feet, dust the powder
on your shoes and stockings as well as on your feet.
7. Vaginal tablets are to be inserted high into the vagina. They
come with a special applicator for inserting them and instructions.
Unwrap the vaginal tablets just before inserting them. Wash the
applicator with soap and warm water after each use. You may wish
to wear a sanitary napkin while using this medication to protect
your clothing against stains.
Special Instruction :
1. Take all of the doses prescribed, even if your symptoms improve.
Failure to do so can allow the infection to return. Continue to
use the vaginal tablets as prescribed even if you begin to menstruate
and even if symptoms of your mouth infection disappear. If your
symptoms have not improved after you finish the medication, contact
your doctor.
2. Continue to use the vaginal tablets as prescribed even if you
begin to menstruate and even if symptoms improve after a few days.
Ask your doctor any questions you have about douching or sexual
intercourse during treating with nystatin vaginal tablets.
3. Good oral hygiene, including proper care of dentures, is important
for the cure of mouth infections, and proper hygiene and skin
care are important for the cure of skin infections. Keep the affected
skin area dry and exposed to air if possible. Do not bandage or
otherwise wrap the treated area unless your doctor tells you to
do so.
4. You can help cure your vaginal infection and prevent reinfection
if you wear only freshly laundered cotton panties. Do not wear
panties made of nylon, rayon, or other synthetic fabrics. These
garments do not allow air to flow freely around the vagina so
they create conditions favorable to growth of fungus in the vagina.
5. If you are taking nystatin for an intestinal infection and
miss a dose of the oral tablets or liquid, take the missed dose
as soon as you remember it. Then take any remaining doses for
the day at evenly spaced intervals.
6. If you miss a dose of nystatin cream, ointment, powder, vaginal
tablets, lozenges, or oral liquid, use the missed dose as soon
as you remember and use the remaining doses for that day at the
regularly scheduled times. However, if you remember a missed dose
near the time for your next scheduled dose, omit the missed dose
and use only the regularly scheduled dose. Do not use two doses
at one time. Then take any remaining doses for that day at evenly
spaced intervals.
Side Effects : When taken as directed, nystatin is virtually
free of side effects.
Other Precautions :
1. Do not allow anyone else to use your nystatin lozenges.
2. They should be used only for fungal mouth infections under
the supervision of a doctor.
Storage Conditions :
1. Keep the medication in the container it came in, tightly closed,
and out of the reach of children.
2. Store nystatin powder, lozenges, and vaginal tablets in the
refrigerator.
3. Store other forms of nystatin at room temperature, away from
direct sunlight.
4. Do not allow nystatin to freeze.