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Active pharmaceutical ingredient

Nystatin

Nystatin is a potent antifungal agent commonly utilized in compounded formulations to treat a variety of fungal infections.

Compounded to order
Prescription required

About this ingredient

Nystatin is a polyene antifungal medication used to treat candidal infections of the skin, mucous membranes, and gastrointestinal tract.[1] Nystatin works by binding to sterols in fungal cell membranes, which changes membrane permeability and causes leakage of cell contents.[1][2]

Gastrointestinal absorption of nystatin is insignificant, and most of an oral dose passes unchanged in the stool.[2] For this reason it is used for local infections and not for systemic fungal infections.[2] Nystatin is available in several forms, including tablets, troches, powder for suspension, creams, and ointments.[1]

Topical nystatin is recommended for mild oropharyngeal candidiasis (oral thrush), and topical nystatin is effective for candidal intertrigo, of which diaper dermatitis is a common form.[3][4] FDA labeling for nystatin oral suspension includes dosing for infants.[2] Reported side effects of oral nystatin include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal upset.[2]

Candida albicans shows no significant resistance to nystatin in vitro on repeated subculture, although other Candida species can become resistant.[2] Nystatin is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the product's components, and it should be discontinued if sensitization or irritation occurs.[2]

Available formulations

Formulations and medications containing this ingredient

Each of these is compounded to order at our pharmacy and requires a prescription.

Compounding formulary

Formulas we compound with this ingredient

A sample of preparations from our formulary. Strengths and dose forms are customised to the prescription.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

What does nystatin treat, and what does it not treat?

Nystatin treats yeast (Candida) infections. It binds ergosterol in the fungal cell membrane, a building block human cells do not have, and the yeast cell leaks and dies.

It does not treat bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, or any other bacterial or viral infection, and it does not work for fungal infections in the bloodstream or internal organs because it is not absorbed. Vaginal symptoms can come from several causes, so get tested rather than assuming.

Related

Related active ingredients

Other salt forms of this molecule, and ingredients commonly compounded alongside it.

Important information

This page describes an active pharmaceutical ingredient, not a finished drug product. Bayview Pharmacy compounds preparations containing it only on a prescriber's order for an individual patient.

Compounded preparations are not FDA-approved, and the FDA has not evaluated them for safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing quality. Nothing on this page is a claim that any preparation is effective for any condition.

A valid prescription is required. Availability depends on Bayview's licensure in your state. This page is general information, not medical advice — discuss your situation with a licensed healthcare provider.

Talk to a compounding pharmacist

Our pharmacists work with prescribers to build preparations around a patient's dose, form and tolerances. Ask us what is possible with this ingredient.