$Unique_ID{BRK03258}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{nystatin}
$Subject{Mycostatin Squibb Nilstat Lederle Nystex Savage 0-V Statin Squibb
Antifungal nystatin fungal infections throat, gastrointestinal tract skin
vagina binding cell membranes fungi}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


nystatin
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers)

     Mycostatin (Squibb)
     Nilstat (Lederle)
     nystatin (various manufacturers)
     Nystex (Savage)
     0-V Statin (Squibb)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Antifungal

INGREDIENT

     nystatin

DOSAGE FORMS

     Oral tablets (500,000 units)
     Oral suspension (100,000 units per ml with not more than 1.0% alcohol)
     Oral lozenges (200,000 units)
     Vaginal tablets (100,000 units)
     Topical cream, ointment, and powder (100,000 units per gram)

STORAGE

     Nystatin should be stored at room temperature (never frozen) in a tightly
closed, light-resistant container.

USES

     Nystatin is used to treat fungal infections of the throat,
gastrointestinal tract, skin, and vagina.  By chemically binding to the cell
membranes of fungal organisms, this medication causes the cell contents to
leak out, which kills the fungi.

TREATMENT

     You can take the oral tablet form of nystatin either on an empty stomach
or with food or milk (as directed by your doctor).
     The oral suspension should be shaken well just before using each dose.
The contents tend to settle, so it is necessary to shake the container to
distribute the ingredients evenly and equalize the doses.
     Each dose of the oral suspension should then be measured carefully with a
specially designed 5-ml measuring spoon.  An ordinary kitchen teaspoon is not
accurate enough.  Place half of the dose in each side of your mouth.  Try to
hold the suspension in the mouth or swish it through the mouth for as long as
possible before swallowing it.
     The oral lozenge form should be allowed to dissolve slowly in the mouth.
     The vaginal tablets are packaged with instructions and an applicator for
inserting the tablets into the vagina.  Read the instructions carefully before
using this product.
     Occasionally, the vaginal tablets are prescribed to be taken orally (to
treat mouth or throat infections).  The tablets are sucked on to increase
contact time with the mouth and throat.
     The region where you are to apply the topical cream, ointment, or powder
should be washed carefully and patted dry.  A sufficient amount of medication
should then be applied to the affected area.  An occlusive dressing (like
kitchen plastic wrap) should NOT be applied over the medication (unless your
doctor directs you to do so).
     If you are using the powder form to treat a foot infection, sprinkle
liberally into your shoes and socks.
     Try not to miss any doses of this medication.  If you do miss a dose,
take (or apply) the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time
for the next dose.  In that case, do not take (or apply) the missed dose at
all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do not double the next dose
of this medication.
     Take this drug for the entire time prescribed by your doctor (usually
seven to 14 days), even if the symptoms disappear before the end of that
period.  If you stop taking the drug too soon, resistant fungi are given a
chance to continue growing, and your infection could recur.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Oral forms:  diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.  Topical and vaginal forms:
itching.  These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the
drug.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
a rash.  Also, if symptoms of your infection seem to be getting worse rather
than improving, tell your doctor.

INTERACTIONS

     Nystatin should not interact with other medications if it is used
according to directions.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to nystatin.
     * If you are using this drug to treat a vaginal infection, avoid sexual
intercourse or ask your partner to wear a condom until treatment has been
completed.  These measures help prevent reinfection.  Use the vaginal tablets
continuously, even during a menstrual period.  Unless instructed otherwise by
your doctor, do not douche during treatment or until three weeks after you
stop using the vaginal tablets.  Wear cotton panties, rather than nylon or
other nonporous materials, when you are being treated for fungal infections of
the vagina.  There may be some vaginal drainage while using the vaginal
tablets, so you may wish to use a sanitary napkin or panty liner.
     * This medication has been prescribed for your current infection only.
Another infection later on, or one that someone else has, may require a
different medicine.  You should not give your medicine to other people or use
it for other infections, unless your doctor specifically directs you to do so.
     * If the symptoms of infection do not begin to improve two or three days
after starting nystatin, CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR.  This medication may not be
effective against the organism causing your infection.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although nystatin
appears to be safe during pregnancy, extensive studies in humans have not been
conducted.  Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  It is
not known whether this medication passes into breast milk.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.