One of the problems that concern people is fungal diseases. They are very difficult and long-term treatment. It is worth considering that the side effects of these pathologies can cause unpleasant complications. Also, the fungus may be a symptom of a more serious disease. Therefore, it is necessary not only to treat the disease in a timely manner, but also to take preventive measures. One of the popular drugs for the treatment of fungal diseases is Nystatin. This is an antibiotic or not, we will consider further, and also we will analyze the instructions for using the drug.
The action of the main substance
The active substance of the drug was synthesized 60 years ago. In its original form, it was an injection, which had many side effects. A high concentration of the main component caused severe intoxication of the body. But over the years, the drug has improved. Now it is safe for health, low toxicity and has a minimum of side effects.
The main active ingredient is nystatin. It is made from streptomycetes and stabilizing chemical components are added. It has antifungal properties, acts against a fungus of the genus Candida and aspergillus. The active substance has the ability to integrate into the cell membrane of the fungus and form many channels through which electrolytes are transported.
An increase in osmolarity inside the cell contributes to the fact that it dies. The body's resistance to the active substance develops very slowly, as does the response of sensitive fungi to nystatin.
The question arises: is nystatin an antibiotic or not? This is a natural product. It refers to polyene antibiotics. About this a little further.
Drug form
Nystatin is available in the following forms:
- Tablets.
- Rectal suppositories.
- Ointment.
- Vaginal suppositories.
- Granules for the manufacture of a suspension.
The tablets are available in round shape. They have a soft yellow shell and a faint vanilla flavor.
There are tablets "Nystatin" in a dosage:
- 250,000 units.
- 500,000 units.
Auxiliary components:
- Lactose.
- Magnesium Carbonate
- Calcium stearate.
- Potato starch.
- Pigmented titanium dioxide.
- Flavor Vanilla.
- Vaseline.
Rectal suppositories. The active substance is 500,000 units. In the package of 10 pieces. Excipients include:
- Nipazole.
- citric acid monohydrate.
- Liquid paraffin.
- Solid fat.
Vaginal suppositories with nystatin are available with an active substance content of 250 or 500 thousand units. Excipients:
- Vaseline oil.
- Solid fat.
- Citric acid.
- Butyloxnanyeol.
- Ionol food.
Nystatin ointment is made with an active substance content of 1 g per 100,000 units. Additional components are liquid paraffin and anhydrous lanolin. Available in metal tubes of 30 grams.
"Nystatin" with a dosage of 100 thousand units in one granule is available for children. This preparation is light yellow in color, has a smell, does not dissolve in water, is easily destroyed by the action of high air temperature, as well as under the influence of light. It tastes bitter.
What properties does the drug have?
In therapy, Nystatin is used to treat fungal diseases. Also, the drug has the ability to suppress certain types of intestinal amoeba. The drug does not affect viruses and bacteria. The drug is practically not absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. It dissolves in the digestive system, while minimally enters the bloodstream. It is excreted unchanged from the body. Also, the medication can be used for preventive purposes.
It doesn’t matter whether Nystatin is an antibiotic or not, it has special therapeutic properties:
- Wide scope. It is used to treat fungal diseases of the skin, mucous membranes of the internal organs.
- "Nystatin" as an antibiotic does not adversely affect a healthy flora - it acts only on a pathogenic one.
- The product is low toxic. Side effects are very rare when using the drug.
- The resistance of pathogenic organisms to a medical device is not developed.
- Nystatin does not accumulate in the body.
It is necessary to highlight in which cases a drug may be prescribed.
Who is prescribed the drug
Treatment with "Nystatin" is prescribed for the following conditions:
- Fungus of the oral cavity.
- Vulvovaginal candidiasis.
- The defeat of the fungus of the mucous membranes.
- Fungal diseases of the skin.
- Fungal diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Mycoses.
- Candidiasis of the respiratory system.
In order to prescribe Nystatin, the indication may not always be a disease. Sometimes it is recommended as a prophylactic during treatment with antibiotics, before surgery in the genitals and intestines. Prescribe the drug can and with weakened immunity.
Who should not be taken
Consider who should not use the medication. This category falls into the following pathologies and conditions:
- During lactation.
- If the components of the drug and the active substance are poorly tolerated by the patient.
- With intolerance to the main substance.
- There are diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in the acute phase.
- Impaired liver function.
- A stomach ulcer and a duodenal ulcer were diagnosed.
How to take Nystatin
Consider the use of the drug in tablets. 3-4 times a day for 500 thousand units. The course of treatment is from 10 to 14 days. The maximum dose is 3 million units. In some cases, from 4 to 6 million. How to take "Nystatin", the doctor establishes.
Regardless of the meal, the tablet is recommended to drink well with water, do not chew. The interval between doses should be at least 6 hours.
Instructions for use "Nystatin" with thrush indicates that the tablets must be resorbed. After eating, you must rinse your mouth with a solution of baking soda or a decoction of chamomile. Chlorhexidine solution is also suitable. After 30 minutes, the tablet is resorbed (3-5 pieces per day). It is important to keep it until completely dissolved. Within an hour after administration, water and food intake should be excluded.
What can cause candidiasis?
With candidiasis, the skin, mucous membranes of the internal organs are affected by yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida. Each person has them, but the pathological process of their reproduction depends on many factors. Infection can occur from the external environment, and as a result of a violation of the body’s own flora. We highlight the causes of candidiasis:
- Infectious disease (or any other that significantly weakened the immune system).
- Stressful situations.
- Hormonal background failure.
- Chronic diseases that cause weakened immunity.
- Taking antibiotics.
- Endocrine diseases.
- Hot climate.
- Non-compliance with hygiene standards. Wearing synthetic underwear.
The doctor may prescribe Nystatin for candidiasis. The disease is of great danger for pregnant women, since there is a risk of fetal damage. In men and women, candidiasis can affect the reproductive organs, which leads to infertility. Therefore, it is very important to treat this disease under the supervision of a physician. Also, you should not treat it yourself. It is very important to study, before taking the drug "Nystatin", instructions for use with thrush, candidiasis and other diseases. A mistake can enhance the spread of bacteria.
"Nystatin" with thrush
Treatment of such a fungal disease as thrush should be carried out in both men and women. Sexual affinity for the period of treatment must be excluded. When prescribing treatment, the doctor should take into account the age and existing diseases of the patient. The doctor prescribes Nystatin tablets for thrush. The instruction contains information on how to take them correctly.
Women are shown candles "Nystatin." They can be rectal and vaginal. Before the introduction of a rectal suppository, it is recommended to use an enema. Candles are introduced in the morning and at night. After the procedure, lie down for at least half an hour. During the menstrual period, the drug can be used. The treatment process is not recommended to be interrupted.
Vaginal suppositories are administered in the supine position, in the morning and at night. It is recommended to use a sanitary pad. After the candle is introduced, it is necessary to take a horizontal position for at least 30 minutes.
The course of treatment is usually 10-14 days. The doctor selects an individual therapy regimen for each patient. In the chronic course of the disease, tablets are prescribed together with suppositories. How to drink "Nystatin" should be determined by the attending physician.
In the treatment of thrush, men are prescribed Nystatin tablets of 250 thousand units or 500 thousand units 4 times a day for 10 days. Other forms of the drug may also be indicated.
The use of ointment "Nystatin"
Nystatin ointment is prescribed 2 times a day with a thin layer. It is applied to the affected area. The treatment lasts 7-10 days. In some cases, it can reach 4 weeks. Also, the ointment can be used for applications. The agent is applied to the cotton pad and applied to the affected area until the composition is completely dissolved. The instruction "Nystatin" for thrush suggests that such a procedure is recommended to be carried out up to 5 times a day. The tool speeds up the healing process for stomatitis, thrush.
Nystatin ointment is used to treat diaper rash. It must be applied to affected areas of the skin 3 times a day. Complex treatment allows you to quickly cure a fungal disease. External use of the drug should be combined with the use of the drug inside in the form of tablets.
Side effects
As a rule, the medication is well tolerated. But still, the following adverse reactions may occur:
- Allergic rashes.
- Itching
- Hives.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite.
- Malfunctioning digestive organs.
- Revitalization of resistant forms of fungi.
In places where ointments are applied or when using candles, a burning sensation, itching may occur. If adverse reactions are pronounced, the use of the drug should be discontinued. Next, symptomatic therapy should be applied — the body will recover quickly. There have been no cases of drug overdose.
Interaction
You should consider the features in the interaction of Nystatin with other drugs. The effectiveness of the drug is enhanced by the following drugs: "Tetracycline", "Nifuratel", "Polymyxin", "Chymotrypsin". Drugs that reduce their effectiveness when interacting with Nystatin: Clotrimazole, penicillins and tetracyclines. "Nystatin" reduces its activity: with "Maalox", "Almagel" and indirect anticoagulants.
The combined use of the drug with oral contraceptives completely invalidates the effectiveness of the latter. Alcohol should not be taken during treatment: the condition may worsen. “Nystatin” together with retinol preparations significantly increases the possibility of increasing intracranial pressure. It is not recommended to take it with antibiotics, as human immunity can greatly decrease. This is especially true for weakened and emaciated patients.
At the end of the treatment with Nystatin, it is necessary to drink medications that normalize the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract. It is also recommended to take funds that strengthen the body's immune system. It was previously described why a disease such as candidiasis occurs. One of the main reasons is a weakened immune system.
special instructions
"Nystatin" does not affect the speed of psychomotor reactions. Therefore, when driving vehicles and mechanisms that require an increased concentration of attention, this drug can be used. During treatment, it is recommended to follow a diet. It is necessary to exclude sweets and dairy products, as well as include more fiber in the diet.
For children under 5 years of age, the drug Nystatin is not recommended for use in the form of lozenges. If the patient has viral diseases, Nystatin is not recommended for use in treatment. A bacterium such as staphylococcus is also not treated with this medication.
Be sure to tell your doctor about the drugs you are taking.
Nystatin for children
Prescribe the drug to children, depending on the form of the disease. If the mucous membranes are affected by the fungus, most often it is prescribed as an ointment. In the prevention of candidiasis is better - tablets. With a fungal infection of the intestine - rectal suppositories.
In case of thrush, Nystatin tablets are used. They must be crushed and mixed with vitamin B12. Lubricate affected areas. The instruction "Nystatin" for thrush recommends using the drug to treat children in the following dosages:
- Up to 1 year: 100-125 thousand units. A tablet is diluted in milk.
- Children from one year to 3 years: 1 tablet of 250,000 units three times a day.
- Children 3-14 years: 1 tablet of 250-500 thousand units 4 times a day.
For young children, you can grind the pill before taking it. The treatment period is 10-14 days. If necessary, the course can be repeated after 7 days. This should be determined by the doctor.
Ointments treat damaged areas with a thin layer (twice a day).
To rinse the mouth, children are prescribed "Nystatin" in granules or tablets.
Girls under 18 years old are not prescribed vaginal suppositories. For treatment, tablets and ointment are used.
Analogues of the drug
There are analogues of the drug "Nystatin." The effectiveness of a drug like Clotrimazole is high. The ointment also has a good antifungal effect. He is very close in action to the "Diflicer".
We will name a few more analogues:
- Diflucan.
- "Sebozol."
- "Exoderyl."
- "Mycostatin."
- "Antikandin."
- Levorin.
Use analogues if you have been prescribed "Nystatin", should only be after consultation with a doctor. Each drug has side effects, features of use and contraindications that must be considered during treatment. It is worth noting that the cost of analogues is much higher than the cost of Nystatin tablets. Instructions, reviews prove the similarity and effectiveness of the drugs.
You should not prescribe treatment yourself. A fungal infection can go into a chronic stage and cause a lot of complications that negatively affect health - and the treatment will be delayed.
Reviews about the drug
As a rule, patient reviews are positive. Answering the question: “Nystatin” is an antibiotic or not, I would like to add that the action of this natural antibiotic is many times safer than the effect of synthetic drugs. They note good tolerability of the drug, low toxicity. Also, the positive side is its affordable price and the ability to purchase at any pharmacy.
There are reviews of the occurrence of side effects. So, in the treatment of thrush in children, some noticed a violation of the stool and the gastrointestinal tract. But after discontinuation of the drug, everything returned to normal. On the use of "Nystatin" from thrush, adult reviews in most cases are positive. Only some women have noticed discomfort when using vaginal suppositories. But the duration of the achieved treatment effect after using Nystatin is many times higher than the degree of positive influence of other drugs.
In adults, the manifestation of side effects is minimized. Nausea and stool disorder are rarely noted. To avoid them at all, it is necessary to study the instructions for use with the Nystatin tablets. Reviews note that they need to be washed down with plenty of water. In this case, there is no bitterness in the mouth. Before use, the suppository needs to cleanse the intestines. And after the introduction, it is necessary to lie down as long as possible until the candle is completely dissolved.
In the treatment of pneumonia, Nystatin is often prescribed. Recovery is easy and without complications. The reviews prove that it is unacceptable to use alcoholic beverages when using Nystatin: all treatment will go down the drain and the course will have to be started again. It is also recommended to follow a diet, for a while to refrain from yeast products, sweets. In this case, recovery comes faster. Patients note that treatment is effective if all the doctor's recommendations are followed, and the cause of the disease is correctly identified and eliminated. Only then relapse is impossible.