Nystatin is an antifungal medication. It is used to treat fungal infections in various parts of the body, including the vagina, intestinal tract, mouth or skin. This type of medicine only works on infections caused by fungus. It will not work on viral infections, such as the flu or a cold.
In some cases, doctors will also prescribe this medicine to prevent oral fungal infections, although the FDA has not approved this medication specifically for that purpose.
Your doctor may prescribe nystatin in a number of different forms, depending on what type of infection you have. It comes as an oral tablet, capsule or liquid; a vaginal tablet or cream; or a skin ointment, powder or cream.
Be certain to follow the directions carefully for whichever type of nystatin your doctor has prescribed.
Before you begin taking or buy nystatin, it's important to tell your doctor about any allergies or medical conditions you have and if you are taking any medications, including over-the-counter drugs or herbal supplements. It is particularly important to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant in the near future. You should also let your doctor know if you are breast-feeding.
You may experience some side effects when taking nystatin, such as itching and irritation or a burning sensation. It’s important to let your doctor know if any of these symptoms are persistent or severe.
Some people have more serious problems when taking nystatin. If you have any of the following symptoms, get in touch with your doctor:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Skin rash
Nystatin is one of the most prevalently used anti-fungal medications. It is even listed on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines which is a list of the most important medication needed in a basic health system. Visit our Nystatin drug page to get more information about the drug and to get free Nystatin coupons to save off the retail cost of the medication.
