Pharmacokinetics

Gastrointestinal absorption of nystatin is insignificant. Most orally administered nystatin is passed unchanged in the stool. In patients with renal insufficiency receiving oral therapy with conventional dosage forms, significant plasma concentrations of nystatin may occasionally occur.

Microbiology

Nystatin is both fungistatic and fungicidal in vitro against a wide variety of yeasts and yeast-like fungi. Candida albicans demonstrates no significant resistance to nystatin in vitro on repeated subculture in increasing levels of nystatin; other Candida species become quite resistant. Generally, resistance does not develop in vivo . Nystatin acts by binding to sterols in the cell membrane of susceptible Candida s pecies with a resultant change in membrane permeability allowing leakage of intracellular components. Nystatin exhibits no appreciable activity against bacteria, protozoa, or viruses.

General

This medication is not to be used for the treatment of systemic mycoses. Discontinue treatment if sensitization or irritation is reported during use.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

No long-term animal studies have been performed to evaluate carcinogenic potential. There also have been no studies to determine mutagenicity or whether this medication affects fertility in males or females.

Pregnancy

Nursing Mothers

It is not known whether nystatin is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when nystatin is administered to a nursing woman.

Gastrointestinal

Diarrhea (including one case of bloody diarrhea), nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal upset/disturbances.

Dermatologic

Rash, including urticaria has been reported rarely. Stevens-Johnson syndrome has been reported very rarely.

Other

Tachycardia, bronchospasm, facial swelling, and nonspecific myalgia have also been rarely reported.