Nystatin®

What is Nystatin?

Nystatin is an antifungal liquid that can clear oral thrush by targeting the fungi that cause the infection.

It belongs to a class of drugs called polyenes,¹ broad-spectrum antifungal agents that work by breaking down fungal cells. You hold Nystatin directly into your mouth before swallowing it, which allows it to directly target and treat oral thrush.

How does Nystatin work?

Nystatin works by killing fungus. More specifically, it binds to a key component called ergosterol, which helps maintain the structure of fungal cells. This creates pores in these cells which causes them to leak, and eventually the fungus is destroyed.

Because you hold the liquid in your mouth, Nystatin works topically against oral thrush by coming into direct contact with thrush in your mouth and throat.

What doses of Nystatin are there?

Nystatin is available in one strength: each 60ml bottle contains 100000 iu per ml of nystatin.

The usual dose is to take it four times a day, by holding it in your mouth for as long as possible before swallowing it.

How long does Nystatin take to work?

You might start to see your oral thrush symptoms ease off after only a few days of using Nystatin. This is a sign that the liquid is working and destroying the fungi causing your oral thrush.

But you’ll still need to continue using the liquid for as long as your doctor advises you to. Stopping treatment early could mean your infection doesn’t completely clear and your oral thrush symptoms return.

How to take Nystatin

You’ll use Nystatin the same way each time you need to apply it. If you’ve been told to use the liquid four times a day, try to space your doses out evenly.

To take Nysatin:

1. Shake the bottle
2. Use the dropper to measure out how much you need
3. Apply Nystatin directly into your mouth
4. Swill the suspension around your mouth and swallow it

Nystatin will work more effectively if you hold it in your mouth for around 30 seconds before swallowing.