Experiences with
NystatinNystatin is an antifungal medicine. It's used to treat or prevent infections caused by a fungus or yeast. These include:
- oral thrush (mouth thrush)
- skin infections
Nystatin kills the fungus and gets rid of the infection. It can also be used to stop you getting an infection.
Nystatin is only available on prescription.
It comes as a liquid (suspension) that you swirl around your mouth and then swallow.
It also comes mixed with steroids, antiseptics or antibacterials as a cream or ointment. Brand names for creams and ointments containing nystatin include Trimovate, Timodine, Nystaform and Nystaform HC.
Who can take or use nystatin
Most adults and children, including babies, can take nystatin liquid or use nystatin cream and ointments.
Who may not be able to take or use nystatin
Nystatin is not suitable for some people. To make sure it's safe for you, tell a pharmacist or doctor if you:
- have ever had an allergic reaction to nystatin or any other medicine, including any ingredients in the cream or ointment
- cannot digest some sugars – the liquid has a small amount of sucrose in it
- have tuberculosis (TB) of the skin – you may not be able to use the cream or ointment
Dosage for nystatin liquid
The usual dose of nystatin for adults, babies and children is:
- to treat oral thrush – 1ml, taken 4 times a day. Leave at least 3 hours between doses. If your doctor gives you different instructions, follow their advice
- to prevent oral thrush – 1ml, taken once or twice a day
How to take nystatin liquid
It's best to take nystatin liquid after a meal or some food. However, do not mix it with food or water or any other drink.
- Shake the bottle well.
- Take the lid off and measure out the right amount using an oral syringe, medicine spoon or dropper. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not measure the right amount.
- Put the medicine in your mouth.
- Keep it in your mouth for at least 30 seconds if possible, swilling it around your mouth like a mouthwash before you swallow it.
- Do not eat or drink anything for 30 minutes after taking it. This stops you washing the medicine out of your mouth too soon.
It may be difficult to get your child to keep it in their mouth, but encourage them to do this if they can. Do not worry if they cannot. The medicine will still help even if they swallow it quickly.
Nystatin cream or ointment
Nystatin is also available mixed with other ingredients in creams and ointments. Your doctor will advise you on which is best for you.
You'll usually apply a cream or ointment 2 or 3 times a day. The amount you use will depend on the skin condition you have. Your doctor or pharmacist will tell you how much to use.
How long to take or use it for
It usually takes nystatin liquid around a week to treat oral thrush, but you'll need to continue taking it for 2 days after this to make sure all the fungus has been killed. Take it for as long as your doctor advises.
If you're using nystatin to prevent oral thrush, your doctor will tell you how long to take it for.
If you're using cream or ointment containing nystatin mixed with other ingredients, you may only need to use it for 7 to 14 days but it will depend on your skin condition. Your doctor will tell you how long to use it for.
If you forget to take or use it
If you forget a dose, take or use it as soon as you remember, unless it's less than 3 hours until your next dose. In this case, just skip the missed dose and have your next one at the usual time.
Do not take or use 2 doses to make up for a missed dose.
If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to remember your medicines.
If you take or use too much
Nystatin is generally very safe. Taking too much liquid or using too much cream or ointment is unlikely to harm you or your child.
If you're worried, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
If your nystatin cream or ointment contains a strong steroid called clobetasol, talk to your pharmacist or doctor. They'll be able to tell you if you've used too much.
Common side effects
If you're taking nystatin liquid, there are things you can do to help with these side effects:
Drink lots of fluids, such as water or squash, to avoid dehydration. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee.
Do not take any other medicines to treat diarrhoea without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.
If you take the combined pill or progestogen-only pill and you have severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, your contraception may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill packet for advice.
Stick to simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy food. Make sure you take nystatin liquid after a meal or snack.
If you're being sick, try small, frequent sips of water to avoid dehydration. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee.
If you take the combined pill or progestogen-only pill and you're being sick, your contraception may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill packet for advice.
Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if the advice on how to cope does not help and these side effects bother you or do not go away.
If you're using nystatin cream or ointment, stop using the product and talk to your pharmacist or doctor if:
- you have a rash or itchy, dry or swollen skin where you've applied it
- you get a new infection
Your pharmacist or doctor may be able to recommend a different medicine.
Serious allergic reaction
It happens rarely but it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to nystatin.
OLD Meds (H3) serious allergic reactionThese are not all the side effects of nystatin. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicine packet.
Nystatin and pregnancy
You can use nystatin while you're pregnant or trying for a baby.
Nystatin and breastfeeding
You can use nystatin while you're breastfeeding.
Nystatin has been used for many years without side effects in breastfed babies. It's not thought to pass into breast milk.
If you're using a cream or ointment containing nystatin, take care that your baby does not touch any areas of your body where you've used it. Wash your hands after you've used it and before picking up your baby.
If you're breastfeeding and you have thrush (candida) of the breast, you can use nystatin to treat this, although other treatments are usually more effective. Your baby will also need to be treated at the same time with their own medicine.
When using it on your breasts, wash it off your breasts or nipples, then wash your hands before feeding your baby. It's usually better to use cream rather than ointment when breastfeeding, as it's easier to wash off.
Creams and ointments containing nystatin may also contain other ingredients such as steroids, antibacterials and antiseptics. It's still OK to use them while breastfeeding.
If you notice that your baby is not feeding as well as usual, or if you have any other concerns about your baby, talk to your midwife, health visitor or doctor as soon as possible.
Nystatin and fertility
There's no evidence to suggest that nystatin will reduce fertility in either men or women.
Meds New IA (H2) - Pregnancy non-urgent care cardCautions with other medicines
Nystatin liquid, cream or ointment are generally OK to take or use when taking other medicines, including painkillers.
Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you're using a nystatin cream or ointment mixed with other ingredients. They'll be able to tell you if the other ingredients are safe to use with other medicines.
Mixing nystatin with herbal remedies and supplements
There's not enough information to say that complementary medicines, herbal remedies and supplements are safe to take with nystatin. They're not tested in the same way as pharmacy and prescription medicines. They're generally not tested for the effect they have on other medicines.
Meds New IA (H2) - Cautions with other medicines alertRelated links
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