Nystatin (Mycostatin) Antifungal Drug Overview PDF

Overview of the Drug Class **Prototype: nystatin (Mycostatin) ** - **Category**: Polyene Antifungal Agent  - **Primary Function**: Nystatin is only indicated for the treatment of Candidiasis.  - **Unique Features**: Nystatin can be administered orally and topically.  Mechanism of...

Overview of the Drug Class **Prototype: nystatin (Mycostatin) ** - **Category**: Polyene Antifungal Agent  - **Primary Function**: Nystatin is only indicated for the treatment of Candidiasis.  - **Unique Features**: Nystatin can be administered orally and topically.  Mechanism of Action - Nystatin forms pores in the fungal cell wall by binding to ergosterol.    Indications and Therapeutic Uses - **Candidiasis**: Nystatin is considered first-line therapy for intestinal candidiasis. Nystatin is also utilized for the treatment of candidal infections of the skin, mouth (thrush), esophagus, and vaginal. Side Effects and Adverse Reactions **Side Effect** **Description** ------------------ ------------------------------------------------- GI Upset Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Local Irritation Topical nystatin can cause this adverse effect. Precautions and Contraindications **Precautions**:  - Nystatin is not recommended for the treatment of systemic mycoses.  Drug Interactions - Nystatin does not typically interact with other drugs.  Dosing, Administration, & Client Teaching **Dosing** - Dosing varies based on the condition, severity, and client response.  - Check drug dosing guidelines for individualized dosing.  - Nystatin can be administered orally and topically.  - Oral Nystatin is supplied as a suspension, as well as tablets and lozenges, with doses ranging from 400,000 to 1 million units, 3-4 times daily.  - Vaginal tablets for treatment of vaginal candidiasis -- dosage 100,000 units once daily for two weeks.  - Nystatin cream, ointment, or powder formulations are available to treat candidiasis of the skin.  Cream and ointments are recommended twice daily, while powder is applied three times daily.  **Administration** - Oral or topical administration. **Client Teaching** - Educate clients to monitor for improvement of symptoms and adverse effects.  Labs to Monitor - Routine laboratory monitoring is not indicated for nystatin.