Nystatin Topical
Brand Name(s): Barstatin® Powder¶, Candex® Cream¶, Mycostatin® Cream¶, Mycostatin® Ointment¶, Mycostatin® Powder¶, Mykinac® Cream¶, Mykinac® Ointment¶, Nilstat® Cream¶, Nilstat® Ointment¶, Nilstat® Powder¶, Nyamyc® Powder, Nystop® Powder, Nystaform® Ointment (as a combination product containing Clioquinol, Nystatin)¶, Mycolog-II® Cream (as a combination product containing Nystatin, Triamcinolone acetonide)¶, Mycolog-II® Ointment (as a combination product containing nystatin; triamcinolone acetonide)¶, Myco-triacet II® Cream (as a combination product containing Nystatin, Triamcinolone)¶, Myco-triacet II® Ointment (as a combination product containing Nystatin, Triamcinolone)¶, Mykacet® Cream (as a combination product containing Nystatin, Triamcinolone acetonide)¶, Mykacet® Ointment (as a combination product containing Nystatin, Triamcinolone)¶, Mytrex F® Cream (as a combination product containing Nystatin, Triamcinolone)¶, Mytrex F® Ointment (as a combination product containing Nystatin, Triamcinolone)¶; also available generically
Topical nystatin is used to treat fungal infections of the skin. Nystatin is in a class of antifungal medications called polyenes. It works by stopping the growth of fungi that cause infection.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Nystatin comes as a cream, ointment and powder to apply to the skin. Nystatin cream and ointment is usually applied twice a day to the affected area. Nystatin powder is usually used two or three times a day. Use nystatin at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use nystatin exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
If you are using powder for infected feet, dust the powder inside your shoes and stockings as well as on your feet.
Topical nystatin is only for use on the skin. Do not let nystatin get into your vagina, eyes, or mouth, and do not swallow the medication.
Use nystatin as long as instructed by your doctor, even if you feel better. If you stop using nystatin too soon or skip doses, your infection may not be completely treated.
Before using topical nystatin,
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to nystatin, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in nystatin cream, ointment, or powder. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using nystatin, call your doctor.
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply extra cream, ointment, or powder to make up for a missed dose.
Nystatin may cause side effects. Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop using nystatin and call your doctor immediately:
- burning or pain in area where applied
- rash, hives, or itching
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
Nystatin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Do not allow nystatin to freeze.
It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org
Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
If someone swallows topical nystatin, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to nystatin.
Do not let anyone else use your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the nystatin, call your doctor.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
¶ This branded product is no longer on the market. Generic alternatives may be available.
This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.
AHFS® Patient Medication Information™. © Copyright, 2024. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.
Selected Revisions: December 15, 2018.
