What Is Nystatin?
Nystatin (Mycostatin®, Nilstat®) is an antifungal medication used to prevent or treat fungal infections of the mouth in children who have undergone liver transplantation.
Nystatin Dosage
In children, nystatin is normally administered by mouth (as a liquid suspension, as tablets, or as lozenges), or the skin (through the use of a cream, powder, or ointment).
How to Properly Take Nystatin
If your child is using the oral suspension, shake the bottle well before pouring your nystatin dose. Your child should place half the total dose on one side of his or her mouth, and the remaining half on the other side. Next, your child should swish the suspension around his or her entire mouth, keeping the liquid inside as long as possible before swallowing. (Before swallowing, your child may also gargle.)
Nystatin should be taken with food and after other medications. Do not eat or drink anything for 30 minutes after taking nystatin.
Missed Doses
If your child misses a dose, it should be taken as soon as you or your child remembers. If it is within two hours of the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your child’s usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Nystatin Side Effects
In rare cases, some children taking nystatin have side effects, including:
- Abdominal pain
- Gas or diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
If your child has trouble with any of these effects, talk with your transplant doctor or transplant coordinator. Often, these side effects resolve as your child’s body adjusts to the medication.
Nystatin Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any prescription or over-the-counter medications your child is taking, so you can be warned of interactions and prevent them.
Nystatin Storage
Store at room temperature. Do not store frozen.
Nystatin Availability
Most pharmacies stock nystatin, but call your pharmacist at least five business days before you need to fill a nystatin prescription, to make sure the medication will be available.
