There are many different infections that the human body is susceptible to. Each disease has a specific etiology. So, one of the most common pathogens is a fungus of the genus Candida, which is present in the human environment almost regularly. However, with weakening of local or general immunity, impaired endocrine system, lack of vitamins, an intensive growth of yeast-like fungus begins on the surface of the body. In addition, it is transmitted sexually. Candida can affect a wide variety of parts of the body, but the mucous membranes and integuments fall under the main blow.
In any case, a fungal disease causes a lot of inconvenience and, in the absence of timely and effective treatment, can become chronic.
Nystatin ointment, manufactured by the Russian pharmaceutical company Biosynthesis, can become a great assistant in the fight against such a scourge.
The active substance of this drug is nystatin, which has a pronounced antifungal effect.
Composition and form of release
Despite the high therapeutic activity, the drug has a rather modest composition, indicated in the instructions:
- In nystatin ointment, the main drug component is nystatin at a concentration of 100 thousand units per 1 gram of composition.
- Two components that serve as the basis for the dissolution of the substance: medical vaseline and anhydrous lanolin.
It is produced in tubes of 30 grams, which, together with the instructions for nystatin ointment, are packed in cardboard boxes.
In addition, nystatin is in the form of tablets for oral administration, as well as vaginal and rectal suppositories.
Mechanism of action. Indications for use
Nystatin violates the integrity of the membrane of the cells of the fungus of the genus Candida. This causes an acceleration of the exchange of intercellular space and organelles of the cell, which leads to the dissolution of the fungus.
What helps nystatin ointment? The instruction states that, destroying the fungus, the drug is used for any local candidal infections:
- On the mucous membranes (oral cavity, genitals, rectum).
- On the body (fungal infections of the skin).
The use of the drug will also be relevant for patients who are forced to undergo a long course of antibiotic treatment. Such people are especially susceptible to fungal infections.
Contraindications
According to the data specified in the instructions, nystatin ointment can not be used during pregnancy, as well as in the presence of allergies to any of the components. In addition, treatment with the drug is prohibited for those patients who suffer from pancreatitis, stomach ulcers or duodenal ulcers.
Very carefully, the drug should be used in people with severely impaired liver function.
Dosage and administration
The treatment regimen depends on the diagnosis:
- With cutaneous fungus, the drug should be applied in a thin layer to the affected area 2 times a day (morning and night). The course usually lasts about 7-10 days, but its duration can vary as prescribed by the doctor and reach one month.
- In the treatment of stomatitis, it is very important to first make sure that it is caused by fungi of the Candida genus, and not by any other pathogen. Otherwise, the use of nystatin ointment can only aggravate the situation. With candidiasis of the oral mucosa, a medicine should be applied to a gauze swab, and then lubricate the problem areas in the morning and evening. The duration of the course depends on the severity of the symptoms.
- There are also cases of diaper rash, to which a fungal infection joins. In this situation, the affected areas of the skin are lubricated 3 times a day.
- In case of acute infection by the fungus of the female and male genital organs, the drug is applied to the skin after its preliminary treatment. This should be done 2-3 times a day for about 10-12 days, as indicated in the instructions for use of nystatin ointment. With thrush, however, it will be more convenient for women to use the medicine in the form of candles.
In this case, it is very important to treat both partners at once, otherwise the infection will recur after the first sexual intercourse. The use of an external agent is recommended to be used simultaneously with oral forms in order to increase the chances of a full recovery and prevent a new infection. In the chronic course of genital candidiasis, an increase in the duration of the course is possible, as prescribed by the attending physician.
Adverse reactions
One of the advantages of this tool is that it does not penetrate the systemic circulation, providing exclusively local effects. Therefore, nystatin never accumulates in the body. Even if, say, in the treatment of candidal stomatitis, the ointment enters, it will leave the body unchanged, without exerting any negative effect on it.
In this regard, all side effects occur only locally. The instructions for nystatin ointment indicate that with its use it is possible to develop an allergy in the form of an itchy rash, urticaria or edema, as well as local hyperthermia.
In addition, there is a risk of activation of nystatin-resistant forms of the fungus.
All side effects quickly and completely disappear after discontinuation of the drug.
Use in children
Nystatin ointment is widely used in pediatric practice. Doctors often prescribe the drug even to the smallest patients for the treatment of stomatitis or diaper rash with fungal infection. The main thing is to use the medicine according to the instructions for use for children with nystatin ointment.
Vacation and storage conditions. Shelf life
Nystatin ointment refers to drugs dispensed by pharmacies only as directed by a doctor. Therefore, the pharmacist (or pharmacist) will ask for a prescription.
The drug should be stored in a cool place with a temperature not exceeding 5 ° C. At home, it is best to store the ointment on the refrigerator door. It is also important to ensure that the medicine is not accessible to children.
Shelf life is 3 years from the date of manufacture. In no case should you use the drug after this period. So it is written in the instructions for nystatin ointment.
Price. Analogs
The price of the drug depends on the region, city, specific pharmacy and is in the range from 70 to 120 rubles per 30 grams of the drug.
It should be noted that the drug has no complete analogues. Despite this, the choice of external antifungal agents in the pharmaceutical market is quite wide.
- Cream "Pimafucin". The active substance is natamycin. It has a high therapeutic activity. A tube of 30 grams will cost the buyer 300-350 rubles.
- Lamisil. Also available in cream form. It has an active substance - terbinafine. In addition to cream, there is also a spray form, which is very convenient for large areas of skin lesions. Lamisil also has a wider spectrum of action than the one indicated in the instructions for nystatin ointment. The price of this medicine depends on the form: cream 15 grams - 450-500 rubles. Spray 15 ml. - 500-550 rubles, 30 ml - 650-700 rubles.
- Cream "Clotrimazole". Women note a faster recovery from thrush during treatment with Clotrimazole than with treatment with nystatin. Another advantage of this drug is its low cost: 20 grams of cream will cost 50-100 rubles.
- "Mycoderil" - an antifungal cream containing naphthyne as an active substance. It has a pronounced therapeutic effect and is in the middle price category. 15 mg of the drug will cost the buyer 300-350 rubles.
- Another possible substitute for nystatin ointment is the Hungarian drug "Zalain", the active substance of which is sertoconazole. This drug has a powerful antifungal effect and a wide spectrum of action, as well as a short duration of the course. The cost of such a drug depends on the dosage form: 20 grams of cream for external use will cost the buyer 420-470 rubles, while candles - 550-600.
Reviews
When using almost any medication, patients leave both positive and negative reviews. Nystatin ointment is no exception. Many claim that they coped with fungal infections of the skin and mucous membranes before the end of the course of treatment when used strictly according to the instructions for nystatin ointment. Price, a composition that provides a high therapeutic effect is another of the advantages noted by patients during treatment.
Nevertheless, there are also negative reviews. Many people note the occurrence of adverse reactions, due to which in some cases it was necessary to even stop taking the drug.
Conclusion
Nystatin ointment is an effective topical antifungal agent that has a low price. However, despite this, it is permissible to apply it to the skin and mucous membranes only with an accurate diagnosis and as directed by a doctor. When using the medicine, the risk of side effects should be considered. Therefore, before starting therapy, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the instructions for nystatin ointment.
For children, it is permissible to use the drug, but strictly observing the dosage and frequency of application to the skin or mucous membranes. This will help to avoid the development of side effects, are described in detail in the instructions for use. Price, reviews, which cannot but rejoice when purchasing this drug - is another reason to opt for the treatment with "Nystatin" ointment.