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Nystatin

  • You must complete the prescribed course of nystatin, otherwise your infection may re-occur

About nystatin

Type of medicine Antifungal
Used for Fungal infections, including oral thrush and infections of the gut
Also called Nystan
Available as Oral liquid

Nystatin works by stopping the growth of the fungus which causes infection of the mouth, throat or gut.

Before taking nystatin

Before taking nystatin make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this medicine.
  • If you are suffering from systemic mycoses (fungal infections of the body).

How to take nystatin

  • Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor or dentist.
  • You must complete the prescribed course of nystatin, otherwise your infection may re-occur.
  • Nystatin suspension should be swished around the mouth and held in the mouth for as long as possible before swallowing.

Can nystatin cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. The most common side effects of nystatin are shown below:

Common side-effects What can I do if I experience this
Nausea (feeling sick) Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast. If nausea continues to be a problem speak to your doctor.
Vomiting (being sick) Drink small amounts of liquid frequently. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast. If vomiting continues to be a problem speak to your doctor.
Diarrhoea Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids. If diarrhoea continues to be a problem speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

Other side-effects include skin rash. If you experience this or any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store nystatin

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • British National Formulary; 54th Edition (September 2007) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London
  • Summary of Product Characteristics, Nystan® oral suspension, Bristol-Myers Pharmaceuticals, electronic Medicines Compendium. Text revised 08 August 2007, accessed December 2007.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008 DocID:
3621		 DocRef:
dils3221		 Last Updated:
12 Dec 2007		 Date of Next Review:
11 Dec 2009		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

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See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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