In the U.S.—

In Canada—

• Antifungal, topical

Nystatin (nye-STA-tin) belongs to the group of medicines called antifungals. Topical nystatin is used to treat some types of fungus infections of the skin.

Nystatin is available in the U.S. only with your doctor's prescription. It is available in Canada without a prescription; however, your doctor may have special instructions on the proper use of this medicine for your medical problem. Nystatin is available in the following dosage forms:

Topical
• Cream (U.S. and Canada)
• Ointment (U.S. and Canada)
• Topical powder (U.S. and Canada)

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For nystatin, the following should be considered:

Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to nystatin. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as preservatives or dyes.

Pregnancy—Nystatin topical preparations have not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems in humans.

Breast-feeding—It is not known whether nystatin passes into breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts, many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are using this medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.

Children—Although there is no specific information comparing use of topical nystatin in children with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children than it does in adults.

Older adults—Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of topical nystatin in the elderly with use in other age groups.

Other medicines—Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health care professional if you are using any other topical prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine that is to be applied to the same area of the skin.

Topical nystatin should not be used in the eyes.

Apply enough nystatin to cover the affected area.

For patients using the powder form of this medicine on the feet:

• Sprinkle the powder between the toes, on the feet, and in socks and shoes.

The use of any kind of occlusive dressing (airtight covering, such as kitchen plastic wrap) over this medicine may increase the chance of irritation. Therefore, do not bandage, wrap, or apply any occlusive dressing over this medicine unless directed to do so by your doctor. When using this medicine on the diaper area of children, avoid tight-fitting diapers and plastic pants.

To help clear up your infection completely, keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if your condition has improved. Do not miss any doses.

Dosing—

The dose of topical nystatin will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average dose of topical nystatin. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For topical dosage forms (cream or ointment):
  • For fungus infections:
    • Adults and children—Apply to the affected area(s) of the skin two times a day.
• For topical dosage form (powder):
  • For fungus infections:
    • Adults and children—Apply to the affected area(s) of the skin two or three times a day.

Missed dose—

If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. Then go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage—

To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store the powder form of this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Keep the cream and ointment forms of this medicine from freezing.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if the following side effect occurs:

• Skin irritation not present before use of this medicine 

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.