Nystatin is classified as a generic anti-fungal drug, which retards many species of mold and yeast, especially Candida albicans, as cited in Mosby’s Drug Consult. According to the "Dictionary of Pharmaceutical Medicine," nystatin was isolated in 1950 from the bacteria, Streptomyces noursei by American researchers from New York State, hence its name. Nystatin works by attaching to fungal cell membranes and forming pores, which causes potassium leakage and fungal death. Nystatin products have been formulated as creams, tablets, powder, oral suspension and ointment, all of which have different ingredients.
Nystatin Oral Suspension
According to RxMed, nystatin oral suspension comes in cherry, mint and banana flavors and is used for Candida infections of the mouth and intestines in infants, adults and especially HIV positive patients. The oral suspension contains 100,000 units of nystatin per mL, as noted on Rxlist. The inactive ingredients include artificial flavoring, FD&C yellow #10, alcohol, sucrose, purified water, glycerin, sodium citrate, magnesium aluminum silicate, saccharin sodium, xanthan gum, benzaldehyde, edetate calcium disodium, polysorbate 80, methylparaben and propylparaben. The bottles come in 24, 48 and 100 mL volumes.
Nystatin Oral Tablets
According to RxMed, nystatin oral tablets are round and pink colored and used for the prevention and treatment of intestinal and anal infections caused by Candida in infants, children and adults. Each oral tablet contains 500,000 units of nystatin. The inactive ingredients include FD&C red #3, FD&C blue #2, FD&C yellow #6, cornstarch, ethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, isopropyl alcohol, light mineral oil, magnesium stearate, stearic acid and titanium dioxide. The bottles contain 100 tablets.
Nystatin Vaginal Tablets
According to RxMed, nystatin vaginal tablets are oval and pale yellow, and used for treatment of vaginal mycotic infections caused by Candida. Each vaginal tablet contains 100,000 units of nystatin. The inactive ingredients include FD&C yellow #6, isopropyl alcohol, lactose, magnesium stearate, povidone, sorbitol and starch. The boxes contain 15 tablets and include an applicator.
Nystatin Vaginal Cream
Like the vaginal tablets, the vaginal cream is used for treatment of vaginal Candida infections. Each gram of vaginal cream contains 100,000 nystatin units, as cited on RxMed. The inactive ingredients include emulsifying wax, glycerin, isopropyl myristate, lactic acid, purified water, sodium hydroxide and sorbic acid. The 75 g tubes come with a re-usable applicator.
Nystatin Topical Cream
RxMed notes that the nystatin topical cream is used for treatment of skin or mucocutaneous mycotic infections caused by Candida. Each gram of topical cream contains 100,000 nystatin units. The inactive ingredients include emulsifying wax, glycerin, isopropyl myristate, lactic acid, purified water, sodium hydroxide and sorbic acid. The topical cream comes in 15 and 30 g tubes, as well as jars of 450 mg.
Nystatin Powder
RxMed notes that nystatin powder is used only in extemporaneous prescription compounding of oral and topical preparations. The only other ingredient is talc. Bottles contain 1 billion units of nystatin.
Nystatin Ointment
RxMed notes that nystatin ointment is used for the same purposes as the creams and oral solution. Each gram of ointment contains 100,000 nystatin units. The inactive ingredients include light mineral oil and polyethylene. The ointment comes in 30 g tubes.
References
- “Mosby’s Drug Consult”; C.V. Mosby; 2004
- “Dictionary of Pharmaceutical Medicine”; G. Nahler et al; 2009
- RxMed.com: Nilstat-Nystatin
- RxList.com: Nystatin Oral Suspension
