Nystatin: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Nystatin is an antifungal medicine used to treat candidiasis, an infection caused by Candida yeast. The tablet label describes its use for infection of the mucous membranes within the gastrointestinal tract, excluding the oesophagus. Nystatin is available as a generic medicine and requires a prescription in the United Kingdom; its listed forms include oral tablets and suspension, as well as topical preparations.

Nystatin tablets are intended to treat gastrointestinal candidiasis affecting the mucous membranes, which are the moist linings within the digestive tract. Candidiasis is an infection caused by Candida yeast. The tablet indication specifically excludes infection of the oesophagus, the passage connecting the mouth to the stomach.

This indication relates to the tablets rather than every nystatin preparation. Other listed forms include oral suspension, cream, ointment and powder, but their treatment indications are not specified here.

Nystatin acts as an antifungal by binding to a substance called ergosterol in fungal cell membranes. These membranes form the outer barrier that helps fungal cells retain their contents and function normally. Binding disrupts that barrier, allowing cell contents to leak out and damaging the fungus.

This explains its activity against Candida yeast. Its action targets fungal cell membranes rather than the structures that antibacterial medicines usually target.

The label lists oral film-coated tablets containing 500,000 units of nystatin. The label lists a usual therapeutic dosage of 500,000 to 1,000,000 units three times daily. The label lists continuation of treatment for at least 48 hours after clinical resolution to prevent relapse.

These are tablet label facts, not an individual treatment recommendation. The listed product forms also include oral suspension and topical cream, ointment and powder. Their dosing schedules are not specified in the tablet label, so the tablet regimen does not describe dosing for those preparations.

A missed dose may interrupt the prescribed course of antifungal treatment. General pharmacy advice is to resume the prescribed schedule, omitting the missed dose if the next dose is nearly due rather than doubling doses. A pharmacist can clarify how this applies to the particular nystatin preparation and prescription.

Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with nystatin. It is not known whether it can cause harm to an unborn baby or affect reproductive capacity.

The label states that nystatin should be given during pregnancy only if clearly needed. The label does not specify breastfeeding information; discuss use during pregnancy or breastfeeding with a doctor or pharmacist.

The tablet label specifies storage at 20° to 25°C. Keep the medicine in its original packaging and out of the sight and reach of children. Follow the packaging directions to maintain quality.