What is nystatin used for?

Oral nystatin is an antifungal medication. The oral suspension (liquid) form of nystatin is used to treat oral thrush or oral candidiasis (a fungal infection of the oral cavity or mouth). Besides oral infections, nystatin oral tablet is used to treat fungal infections in the lining of the stomach and intestines.

How does nystatin work?

Nystatin works by binding to the cell membrane of the fungus and forming pores (holes) in the membrane, ultimately leading to the death of the fungal cells. Therefore, nystatin works by killing and stopping the growth of fungus in the body.  

What is the dosage of nystatin?

Nystatin is available in two dosage forms - oral tablets and oral suspension or liquid. The oral tablets contain 500,000 units of the drug, and the oral suspension contains 100,000 units/mL.

The usual nystatin dose for oral candidiasis (oral thrush) is 400,000 to 600,000 units of oral suspension every 6 hours (4 times a day) (swish and swallow). The usual dose for intestinal candidiasis is oral nystatin tablets of 500,000 to 1,000,000 units every 8 hours (3 times a day). The dose for infants and premature infants is lower (100,000 to 200,000 units of nystatin oral). For babies and young children, the oral suspension is painted inside the mouth.