Nystatin Oral Suspension
Nystatin is a polyene antifungal medication derived from Streptomyces noursei. The oral suspension is formulated to treat fungal infections of the mouth (oral thrush). It works locally by binding to sterols (primarily ergosterol) in the cell membranes of sensitive fungi, disrupting membrane permeability and causing leakage of essential cellular constituents. Because nystatin is virtually non-absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, its therapeutic effects are purely topical within the oral cavity and GI tract.
Dosage by Body Weight
Shake the suspension thoroughly before each use. For maximum efficacy, the liquid should be swished around the oral cavity and held in the mouth for as long as possible before swallowing. For infants and young children, apply half of the dose to each side of the mouth using a swab or dropper. Avoid eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes after administration. Treatment should typically be continued for at least 48 hours after perioral symptoms have completely resolved.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- 1 mL (100,000 units) to 2 mL (200,000 units)
- Frequency
- 4 times daily
- Tracking Notes
- Usually corresponds to newborns and young infants. Place half the dose in each side of the mouth. Avoid feeding for at least 10 minutes after application.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 1 mL (100,000 units) to 2 mL (200,000 units)
- Frequency
- 4 times daily
- Tracking Notes
- Apply half the dose in each side of the mouth. Paint onto affected areas if necessary. Ensure the patient does not ingest fluids immediately after.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 1 mL (100,000 units) to 2 mL (200,000 units)
- Frequency
- 4 times daily
- Tracking Notes
- Distribute evenly across oral lesions. Avoid immediately giving food or drink to maximize contact time.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 4 mL (400,000 units) to 6 mL (600,000 units)
- Frequency
- 4 times daily
- Tracking Notes
- Appropriate for older children who can actively swish the medication. Retain in the mouth as long as possible before swallowing.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 4 mL (400,000 units) to 6 mL (600,000 units)
- Frequency
- 4 times daily
- Tracking Notes
- Swish and coat the entire oral cavity thoroughly before swallowing. Use consistently until 48 hours after symptoms resolve.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | 1 mL (100,000 units) to 2 mL (200,000 units) | 4 times daily | Usually corresponds to newborns and young infants. Place half the dose in each side of the mouth. Avoid feeding for at least 10 minutes after application. |
| 5-7 kg | 1 mL (100,000 units) to 2 mL (200,000 units) | 4 times daily | Apply half the dose in each side of the mouth. Paint onto affected areas if necessary. Ensure the patient does not ingest fluids immediately after. |
| 8-10 kg | 1 mL (100,000 units) to 2 mL (200,000 units) | 4 times daily | Distribute evenly across oral lesions. Avoid immediately giving food or drink to maximize contact time. |
| 11-15 kg | 4 mL (400,000 units) to 6 mL (600,000 units) | 4 times daily | Appropriate for older children who can actively swish the medication. Retain in the mouth as long as possible before swallowing. |
| 16-20 kg | 4 mL (400,000 units) to 6 mL (600,000 units) | 4 times daily | Swish and coat the entire oral cavity thoroughly before swallowing. Use consistently until 48 hours after symptoms resolve. |
Formulation
Purpose
Treatment of fungal infections of the oral cavity (oral candidiasis or oral thrush) caused by Candida albicans and other susceptible Candida species.
Generic Name
NystatinBranded Drug Names
Nystatin Oral Suspension is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.