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What Is Nystatin?

Nystatin is a prescription antifungal medication used to treat infections caused by susceptible Candida yeast. It belongs to the polyene antifungal class and is available in several formulations, including oral suspension, oral tablets, and topical preparations. Oral nystatin suspension is commonly used for oral candidiasis, also called oral thrush. Certain oral tablet formulations are used for non-esophageal gastrointestinal candidiasis. Nystatin is poorly absorbed through the digestive tract and is not suitable for treating systemic fungal infections.

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What Is Nystatin?

Nystatin is a prescription antifungal medication used to treat infections caused by susceptible Candida yeast. It belongs to the polyene antifungal class and is available in several formulations, including oral suspension, oral tablets, and topical preparations. Oral nystatin suspension is commonly used for oral candidiasis, also called oral thrush. Certain oral tablet formulations are used for non-esophageal gastrointestinal candidiasis. Nystatin is poorly absorbed through the digestive tract and is not suitable for treating systemic fungal infections.

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How Does Nystatin Work?

Nystatin binds to ergosterol and other sterols within susceptible fungal cell membranes. This interaction changes membrane permeability, allowing cellular contents to leak and disrupting fungal survival. Its antifungal activity is directed mainly against Candida species and certain related yeasts. Because nystatin is minimally absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, oral formulations act primarily where they come into contact with susceptible fungi. It does not act as a treatment for bacterial infections or viral illnesses.

What Infections Does Nystatin Treat?

Nystatin oral suspension is used to treat candidiasis inside the mouth, including oral thrush affecting the tongue, cheeks, and other oral surfaces. Oral tablet formulations are indicated for non-esophageal gastrointestinal candidiasis. Different nystatin preparations treat infections in different body areas, and their instructions are not interchangeable. Nystatin does not achieve appropriate blood concentrations for treating invasive candidiasis or bloodstream fungal infections. Healthcare professionals select the formulation according to the infection site and clinical findings.

How Should Oral Nystatin Be Taken?

Nystatin oral suspension commonly contains 100,000 units per milliliter. For adults and children, labeled dosing for certain products is 400,000 to 600,000 units four times daily, while infants receive an age-appropriate lower dose. The suspension should be retained in the mouth for as long as practical before swallowing. Oral tablets follow separate instructions based on the product and condition. Continue treatment for the prescribed duration, including the period after symptoms improve when directed by the product label.

What Are the Side Effects and Precautions of Nystatin?

Oral nystatin is generally tolerated because little medication enters the bloodstream. Possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gastrointestinal discomfort, and temporary mouth irritation. Allergic reactions, including rash and itching, can also occur. Serious hypersensitivity reactions are uncommon but require medical attention. Nystatin should not be used by patients with known hypersensitivity to its ingredients. Persistent or worsening fungal symptoms require further evaluation to confirm the diagnosis and treatment choice.

Common Questions About Nystatin

Is nystatin an antibiotic or an antifungal?

Nystatin is classified as a polyene antifungal antibiotic. It treats susceptible fungal infections, particularly those caused by Candida, rather than bacterial infections.

Can nystatin treat oral thrush?

Yes. Nystatin oral suspension is used to treat oral candidiasis, commonly called oral thrush.

Is nystatin swallowed or spit out?

Nystatin oral suspension used for oral candidiasis is generally retained in the mouth before being swallowed according to its labeling. Follow the instructions for the specific product.

Can nystatin treat a bloodstream fungal infection?

No. Oral nystatin is poorly absorbed and is not appropriate for treating bloodstream or invasive fungal infections.

References

DailyMed - NYSTATIN oral suspension. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=b25cbae5-eaf5-4501-b013-02c778ca4a4e. Date Accessed October 22, 2026.

Nystatin. LiverTox. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548581/. Date Accessed October 22, 2026.

Nystatin. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682758.html. Date Accessed October 22, 2026.

Nystatin. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Nystatin. Date Accessed October 22, 2026.

Nystatin Suspension. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/20541-nystatin-suspension. Date Accessed October 22, 2026.