Nystatin cream what is it used for

Nystatin cream and ointment is usually applied twice a day to the affected area. Nystatin powder is usually used two or three times a day. Use nystatin at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use nystatin exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

If you are using powder for infected feet, dust the powder inside your shoes and stockings as well as on your feet. Topical nystatin is only for use on the skin.

Do not let nystatin get into your vagina, eyes, or mouth, and do not swallow the medication. Use nystatin as long as instructed by your doctor, even if you feel better. If you stop using nystatin too soon or skip doses, your infection may not be completely treated. This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember it.

However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply extra cream, ointment, or powder to make up for a missed dose. Nystatin may cause other side effects.

Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication. Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.

Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture not in the bathroom. Do not allow nystatin to freeze. If you're taking nystatin to prevent an infection, the medicine kills any fungus as it starts to appear. It depends on the type of infection you have. Some will take longer to get better. Nystatin liquid will start to work after around 2 days. Keep taking it even after you start to feel better.

Take it for as long as your doctor tells you to, as it can take time to kill all the fungus. If you're using a nystatin cream or ointment mixed with other ingredients, talk to your pharmacist or doctor about how long it will take to work. You may need to use it for 7 to 14 days, it will depend on your skin condition. If you're taking nystatin liquid or using the cream or ointment, talk to your doctor if there is no improvement in your condition after 7 days. Your doctor may ask you to take nystatin for longer or they may prescribe a different antifungal treatment.

It usually takes nystatin liquid around a week to treat oral thrush, 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 advised.

If you're using nystatin to prevent oral thrush, your doctor will tell how long to take it for. If you're using nystatin cream or ointment 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 take it for. People usually only take nystatin for around a week to clear the infection.

If you're using a nystatin cream or ointment mixed with other ingredients, only use for longer than 7 days if your doctor tells you to. If your doctor says it's OK, you may need to use it for a long time to prevent a fungal infection. There are many different antifungal medicines. Some are available to buy from a pharmacy, others are prescription only.

Doctors usually prescribe miconazole first to treat oral thrush. They may prescribe nystatin if miconazole is not suitable. Miconazole is available as an oral gel that you can get on prescription or buy from a pharmacy. Your doctor may prescribe fluconazole if miconazole or nystatin have not treated your oral thrush, or if your infection is severe.

Fluconazole comes as a capsule or liquid that you swallow, your body absorbs it for it to work. This means that it affects more of your body and has a stronger effect. It also means that it's more likely to give you side effects or affect other medicines you're taking.

Other antifungal creams and ointments that treat skin infections caused by a fungus include:. These medicines are available either on their own or mixed with other ingredients such as steroids to reduce swelling inflammation.

You can buy some of these creams or ointments from a pharmacy but stronger products need to be prescribed by a doctor. Nystatin will not affect any type of contraception, including the combined pill or emergency contraception.

However, if nystatin makes you vomit or have severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, your contraceptive pills may not protect you from pregnancy.

Look on the pill packet to find out what to do. Read more about what to do if you're on the pill and you're being sick or have diarrhoea. There's no clear evidence to suggest that nystatin will reduce fertility in either men or women. Yes, you can drink alcohol while using nystatin. Alcohol does not affect how this medicine works. However, if you're taking nystatin liquid, do not drink anything for 30 minutes after taking it. This is to stop you washing the medicine out of your mouth too soon.

There are no specific types of food or drink you need to avoid while taking nystatin. However, do not eat or drink anything for 30 minutes after taking nystatin liquid. Yes, you can. Nystatin does not affect your ability to drive or ride a bike. Page last reviewed: 3 August Next review due: 3 August Nystatin - Brand name: Nystan On this page About nystatin Key facts Who can and cannot take nystatin How and when to take nystatin Side effects of nystatin How to cope with side effects of nystatin Pregnancy and breastfeeding Cautions with other medicines Common questions about nystatin.

About nystatin Nystatin is an antifungal medicine. These include: oral thrush skin infections Nystatin kills the fungus and gets rid of the infection. Nystatin is only available on prescription. Help us improve our website Can you answer a quick question about your visit today? You usually take nystatin liquid 4 times a day after meals and before bedtime. It's important not to eat or drink for 30 minutes after taking the liquid.

Nystatin usually starts to work after 2 days. Continue to use this medication for the full time prescribed, even if symptoms disappear after a few days and even if you get your menstrual period. Stopping the medication too early may allow the fungus to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection.

Though very unlikely, nystatin may cause vaginal irritation. If this effect persists or worsens, 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. 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:. This is not a complete list of possible side effects.

If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at Before using nystatin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.

This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. This medication should be used with caution during pregnancy and only when clearly needed. Check with your doctor before using the applicator if you are or think you may be pregnant. 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. Your healthcare professionals such as your 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. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call Otherwise, call a poison control center right away.

US residents can call their local poison control center at Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.