home > drugs a-z list > nystatin oral suspension (nystatin (oral)) drug

Nystatin is an antimycotic poly-ene antibiotic obtained from Streptomyces noursei. Structural formula:

Nystatin Oral Suspension, for oral administration, is cherry/mint flavored, containing 100,000 USP Nystatin Units per mL. Inactive ingredients: alcohol ( ≤ 1% v/v), 49.8% (w/v) sucrose, purified water, glycerin, sodium citrate, magnesium aluminum silicate, flavors, saccharin sodium, xanthan gum, benzaldehyde, edetate calcium disodium, meth-ylparaben and propylparaben.

Last reviewed on RxList: 8/13/2008

Nystatin Oral Suspension is indicated for the treatment of candidiasis in the oral cavity.

INFANTS: 2 mL (200, 000 units) four times daily (in infants and young children, use dropper to place one-half of dose in each side of mouth and avoid feeding for 5 to 10 minutes).

NOTE: Limited clinical studies in premature and low birth weight infants indicate that 1 mL four times daily is effective.

CHILDREN AND ADULTS: 4-6 mL (400,000 to 600,000 units) four times daily (one-half of dose in each side of mouth). The preparation should be retained in the mouth as long as possible before swallowing.

Continue treatment for at least 48 hours after perioral symptoms have disappeared and cultures demonstrate eradication of Candida albicans.

Nystatin Oral Suspension, USP, 100,000 USP Nystatin U/mL, is available as a cherry-mint flavored, light creamy yellow, ready-to-use suspension in:

2 fl oz (60 mL) bottles with 0.5 mL, 1 mL, 1.5 mL, 2 mL calibrated dropper

NDC 51672-4117-4

1 Pint (473 mL) bottles

NDC 51672-4117-9

1 Gallon (3785 mL) bottles (For repackaging only)

NDC 51672-4117-0

Storage: Store at 20°-25°C (68°-77°F) [see USP

Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from freezing.

PHARMACIST: Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container as defined in USP.

Manufactured by: Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Haifa Bay, Israel 26110. Distributed by: Taro Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc., Hawthorne, N.Y. 10532. Issued: February, 2006. FDA rev date: 07/23/07

Last reviewed on RxList: 8/13/2008

Nystatin is well tolerated even with prolonged therapy. Oral irritation and sensitization have been reported. (See PRECAUTIONS: General).

Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea (including one case of bloody diarrhea), nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal upset/disturbances.

Dermatologic: Rash, including urticaria has been reported rarely. Stevens-Johnson syndrome has been reported very rarely.

Other: Tachycardia, bronchospasm, facial swelling, and non-specific myalgia have also been rarely reported.

No information provided.

Last reviewed on RxList: 8/13/2008

No information provided.

General

This medication is not to be used for the treatment of systemic mycoses. Discontinue treatment if sensitization or irritation is reported during use.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

No long-term animal studies have been performed to evaluate carcinogenic potential. There also have been no studies to determine mutagenicity or whether this medication affects fertility in males or females.

Pregnancy: Teratogenic Effects Category C.

Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with nystatin oral suspension. It is also not known whether nystatin oral suspension can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Nystatin oral suspension should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

Nursing Mothers

It is not known whether nystatin is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when nystatin is administered to a nursing woman.

Pediatric Use

See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION.

Last reviewed on RxList: 8/13/2008

Oral doses of nystatin in excess of five million units daily have caused nausea and gastrointestinal upset. There have been no reports of serious toxic effects of superinfections (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Pharmacokinetics).

The preparation is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of its components.

Last reviewed on RxList: 8/13/2008

Pharmacokinetics

Gastrointestinal absorption of nystatin is insignificant. Most orally administered nystatin is passed unchanged in the stool. In patients with renal insufficiency receiving oral therapy with conventional dosage forms, significant plasma concentrations of nystatin may occasionally occur.

Microbiology

Nystatin is both fungistatic and fungicidal in vitro against a wide variety of yeasts and yeast-like fungi. Candida albicans demonstrates no significant resistance to nystatin in vitro on repeated subculture in increasing levels of nystatin; other Candida species become quite resistant. Generally, resistance does not develop in vivo. Nystatin acts by binding to sterols in the cell membrane of susceptible Candida species with a resultant change in membrane permeability allowing leakage of intracellular components. Nystatin exhibits no appreciable activity against bacteria, protozoa, or viruses.

Last reviewed on RxList: 8/13/2008

No information provided. Please refer to the WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS sections.

Last reviewed on RxList: 8/13/2008

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your health care professional. Always seek the advice of your health care professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your health care professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you.

NYSTATIN SUSPENSION - ORAL

(NYE-stat-in)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Mycostatin, Nilstat, Nystex

USES: This medication is used to treat fungal infections of the mouth. Nystatin is an antifungal that works by stopping the growth of fungus.

Nystatin suspension should not be used to treat fungal infections of the blood.

HOW TO USE: Shake well before using, and use the provided medication dropper to carefully measure out the dose. Unless your doctor instructs you otherwise, use as follows: Place half of the dose in one side of the mouth. Swish it around the mouth, gargle, and swallow. Keep the liquid in your mouth for as long as possible before swallowing. Then repeat with the remaining half of the dose in the other side of the mouth. Avoid eating for 5-10 minutes after using this medication.

Use this medication 4 times a day or as directed by your doctor. It may take from several days to several months to complete treatment. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same times each day. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.

Continue to use this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow the infection to continue, resulting in a return of the infection.

Inform your doctor if your condition persists after several days of treatment or worsens at any time.

SIDE EFFECTS: Mouth irritation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or stomach upset may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: fast heartbeat, wheezing, muscle pain.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking nystatin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: HIV disease, diabetes, kidney disease.

This product contains sugar. Caution is advised if you have diabetes. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safe use of this product.

Denture wearers need to be careful to properly clean and maintain their dentures during treatment with this medication.

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use.

Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in those cases.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not freeze. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Information last revised October 2008 Copyright(c) 2008 First DataBank, Inc.