Nystatin, a drug, to cure your yeast infection

Foreword:  This article are for the readers who have clamored to have more reading materials on prescription drugs to treat yeast infection.  Now here is the first of the, many to come, articles.  Have a good read!

Nystatin is an antifungal drug, commonly prescribed to treat mold and yeast infections.  It is considered a relatively safe drug in curing oral or gastrointestinal problems pertaining to Candida species.

Nystatin has been a proven cure for cutaneous, vaginal, mucousal and esophageal candidiasis.  It is even prescribed in treating neonatal oral thrush of infants over one month in age.  However, for younger babies, miconazole is the appropriate alternative medicine.

So, how does Nystatin cure your candida infection?

Nystatin attaches to ergosterol, which is a primary component of the cell membrane of the fungus, Candida albicans or any fungus for that matter.  When, Nystatin is present in adequate amounts in the cell membrane of the fungus, it can form pores in the membrane causing the potassium ions to leak thereby leading to the death of the fungus.

Does the drug affect humans too?

It does not, because ergosterol is fairly unique to fungi cell membrane.  Therefore, it does not have any catastrophic effect on animals or humans.  Further, since nystatin is not absorbed by the gut, it is safe to drink orally and does not have problems with drug interactions especially if you are taking other medications.

However, Nystatin does cause some side effects but not all are susceptible to this.  Some of the observed side effects are itching, irritation and burning in the vaginal area when creams and tablets are used to treat the area.  For oral nystatin applications, the common side effects are diarrhea, upset stomach, stomach pain and skin rashes.  If you believe that the side effect is just too much to bear, better consult a doctor.

What are the forms of Nystatin? How and when to use it?

Tablet or lozenge (pastilles):  Nystatin tablet is usually gulped down with water, while lozenges are dissolved in the mouth instead of gulping it down or chewing it.  It is much more effective that way in treating oral thrush.  Then, continue to use Nystatin lozenges even if the symptoms of oral thrush have abated.  Use Nystatin lozenges for an additional two days.

Liquid form:  Nystatin bottle of liquid should be shook well before each use so that the medication is evenly distributed.  For mouth infections, use it three to five times a day.  So place half a dose of the liquid on each side of the mouth and swish and gargle it for a minute and swallow it afterwards.  Do not immediately drink water, wait for at least five minutes before doing so to allow the medication to settle in the mouth.  For intestinal infections, consume medication three times a day and just swallow it directly without gargling or swishing.

Vaginal tablets and cream:  Nystatin vaginal tablets and creams are commonly applied once or twice a day on the vaginal area.  The tablets are almost always used for a span of two weeks for women who are not pregnant.  While pregnant women are also able to use Nystatin for three to six weeks before giving birth.

Here are some directions to follow when inserting tablets or creams into the vagina.  First, read the directions before starting the application.  Along with the cream or tablet is a special applicator, fill the applicator to the level indicated (for creams) or a tablet.  Then lie flat on your back, bend your knees and spread it apart while your feet is flat on the bed.  Relax, then gently insert the applicator into your vagina (as high as you can) and push the plunger to release the medication.  After, withdraw the applicator and rinse it with soap and warm water as you wash your hands to avoid spreading the yeast infection.

Further advice:  You can use sanitary napkins to protect your underwear and clothing from stains.  However, a tampon is not advised because it will only absorb the drug.  Do not douche unless as prescribed by a physician and continue to use Nystatin even if you have your period in the middle of the treatment.

If you have missed a dose, apply or drink the medication as soon as you remember it or if the next dose is already near, skip the one you missed and never try to double dose just to make up for the one that you have missed.

Brand names of Nystatin in the market

To name a few here they are:  Nystan (oral tablets, topical ointment), Infestat, Nystalocal, Nystamont, Nystop (topical powder), Nystex, Mykinac, Nysert (vaginal suppositories), Nystaform (topical cream and ointment), Nilstat (vaginal tablet, oral drops), Korostatin (vaginal tablets), Mycostatin (vaginal tablets and topical powder), Nidoflor, Lystin and many more…