Antifungal drug "Nystatin": instructions, indications for use, side effects

Nystatin is a drug effective against fungal microorganisms of the genus Candida. This bitter yellow powder is hygroscopic, but practically insoluble in water. It is sensitive to sunlight, oxygen and high temperatures. First obtained in 1950, this antibiotic group of polyenes, produced by Streptomyces noursei, has been used for many years to treat candidiasis of internal organs, skin, mucous membranes.

Nystatin, the instruction to which describes in detail the indications for its use, effectively treats diseases caused by pathogenic fungi and aspergillas (a genus of higher mold fungi that cause specific diseases - aspergillosis in humans and animals). Treatment with the drug, usually lasts 10-14 days. In the case of chronic candidiasis, you usually need several courses lasting 2-3 weeks. Nystatin does not have antibacterial activity. Its absorption is rather sluggish and most of the active substance of the same name is excreted from the body through the digestive tract.

With prolonged use of antibiotics, especially penicillin or tetracycline, Nystatin is also often prescribed . The instruction speaks about the necessity of its application in this case with the preventive purpose - especially for weakened patients. With lesions of the mucous membranes and the skin, a good effect is the simultaneous administration of Nystatin and ointment on its basis.

Activity of the drug "Nystatin", the instruction to which describes in detail the rules of its application, is expressed in so-called units of action (ED). Tablets and suppositories contain 250,000 (500,000) units of ED, and one gram of nystatin ointment contains 100,000 units. The recommended daily dose of the drug for adults - from 1500000 to 3000000 units, in several receptions (3-4 or 6-8). In severe cases, it can be increased by a doctor several times - this is indicated by the instruction attached to the drug "Nystatin" . Children's dose is determined depending on the age: for an infant it is 100,000 - 125,000, for a child from one to three years - 250,000, from three to six - from 1,000,000 to 1,500,000 units. It is also divided into 3-4 appointments, as prescribed by the doctor. Nystatin (tablets), the instruction to which Describes only its approximate dosage, should be taken in strict accordance with medical recommendations - self-medication should not be engaged.

When candidiasis of the mucous membrane of the mouth, esophagus or throat tablets are usually appointed not inside - they are recommended to be kept in the mouth after eating until completely dissolved (children can crush the pill into powder) three to four times a day. The approximate dose in this case is 500,000 units. Candidiasis of the intestine (its lower parts), as well as colpitis and vulvovaginitis, are treated with nystatin suppositories (suppositories). It should be borne in mind that with fungal gynecological diseases at the same time to be treated for candidiasis and need a sexual partner.

Side effects that occur during the reception of Nystatin are well known: it is nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, rash, hives. Sometimes, with increased sensitivity to the drug, there is a fever and chills. If you have these symptoms, you should stop taking Nystatin and contact your doctor. In general, this drug is tolerated well enough and side effects from its use are not often manifested.

Nystatin (tablets) - instruction on the use of the drug indicates this - is contraindicated for those who suffer from chronic pancreatitis, peptic ulcer, liver failure. These categories of patients are usually prescribed other antifungal agents. Nystatin is contraindicated in pregnancy. As for taking this drug during lactation, the child should be weaned at this time.