How does nystatin work?
Nystatin is an antifungal medicine and not an antibiotic.
It makes holes in the cell membrane of the fungus and the contents leak out. This kills the fungus and treats the infection.
If you're taking nystatin to prevent an infection, the medicine kills any fungus as it starts to appear.
When will I feel better?
It depends on the type of infection you have. Some will take longer to get better.
Nystatin liquid will start to work after around 2 days. Keep taking it even after you start to feel better. Take it for as long as your doctor tells you to, as it can take time to kill all the fungus.
If you're using a cream or ointment containing nystatin mixed with other ingredients, talk to your pharmacist or doctor about how long it will take to work. You may need to use it for 7 to 14 days, depending on your skin condition.
What if it does not work?
If you're taking nystatin liquid or using the cream or ointment, talk to your doctor if your condition has not improved within 7 days.
Your doctor may ask you to take nystatin for longer or they may prescribe a different antifungal treatment.
Talk to your doctor if your symptoms get worse at any time.
Can I take nystatin for a long time?
People usually only take nystatin for around a week to clear the infection.
If you're using a cream or ointment containing nystatin mixed with other ingredients, only use it for longer than 7 days if your doctor tells you to.
If your doctor says it's OK, you may need to use it for a long time to prevent a fungal infection.
Are there other antifungal treatments?
There are many different antifungal medicines. Some are available to buy from a pharmacy, others are prescription only.
Other medicines to treat oral thrush (mouth thrush) include:
- miconazole
- fluconazole
Doctors usually prescribe miconazole first to treat oral thrush. They may prescribe nystatin if miconazole is not suitable.
Miconazole comes as an oral gel that you can get on prescription or buy from a pharmacy.
Your doctor may prescribe fluconazole if miconazole or nystatin have not worked to treat your oral thrush, or if your infection is severe.
Fluconazole comes as a capsule or liquid that you swallow. Your body absorbs it for it to work. This means that it affects more of your body and has a stronger effect. It also means that it's more likely to give you side effects or affect other medicines you're taking.
Your doctor or pharmacist will recommend the right treatment for you.
Other antifungal creams and ointments that treat skin infections caused by a fungus include:
- clotrimazole
- miconazole
- ketoconazole
These medicines are available either on their own or mixed with other ingredients such as steroids to reduce swelling (inflammation).
You can buy some of these creams or ointments from a pharmacy but stronger products need to be prescribed by a doctor.
Important: Mouth gel shortage
There are currently supply problems with the mouth gel used to treat oral thrush (miconazole; Daktarin Oral Gel). Talk to a pharmacist or doctor about other treatments that may help.
Will it affect my contraception?
Nystatin will not affect any type of contraception, including the combined pill, progestogen-only pill or emergency contraception.
However, if nystatin makes you vomit or have severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, your contraceptive pills may not protect you from pregnancy. Look on the pill packet to find out what to do.
Find out more:
Can I drive or ride a bike?
Yes, you can. Nystatin does not affect your ability to drive or ride a bike.
Is there any food or drink I need to avoid?
There are no specific types of food or drink you need to avoid while taking or using nystatin.
However, do not eat or drink anything for 30 minutes after taking nystatin liquid. This is to stop you washing the medicine out of your mouth too soon.
Can I drink alcohol while taking or using nystatin?
Yes, you can drink alcohol while taking or using nystatin. Alcohol does not affect how this medicine works.
However, if you're taking nystatin liquid, do not drink anything for 30 minutes after taking it. This is to stop you washing the medicine out of your mouth too soon.