Nystatin is a polyene antifungal, its structure, chemistry, mechanism of action, and resistance profile resemble those of Amphotericin B.
It is used for the treatment of cutaneous and oral Candida infections. The drug is negligibly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, and it is not used parenterally due to systemic toxicity (nephrotoxicity).
Uses:
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Orally for the treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis (thrush),
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Intravaginally for vulvovaginal candidiasis, or
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Topically for cutaneous candidiasis.
Adverse effects
are rare after oral administration, but nausea and vomiting occasionally occur. Topical and vaginal forms may cause skin irritation