Nystatin is one of the most famous medications for getting rid of fungus and candida as well. As a classic antibiotic agent, it is completely aimed at combating microorganisms, regardless of their location. However, nystatin also has the classic disadvantages of antibiotics. First, it may induce resistance in some Candida strains with a predictable loss of effectiveness; secondly, it acts against all yeast microorganisms on the mucous membranes; and finally, it is poorly absorbed into the blood. Therefore, this remedy is recommended for the treatment of external forms of thrush. And it is nystatin ointment that is most effective.
Nystatin ointment - what is it used for?
Patients using this drug for the first time have no idea what Nystatin ointment treats and why the doctor prescribed it. There are many pathological conditions for which ointment may be indicated. The active ingredient in its composition is an antibacterial component, which is known for its fungicidal and fungistatic effects.
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By suppressing the growth and reproduction of the fungus, the drug causes its death. The drug is actively used to treat infections of the skin and mucous membranes caused by Candida albicans and other fungi sensitive to nystatin. Generally speaking, what is nystatin ointment for? It is most often used in the following areas:
- in urology;
- gynecology;
- venereology.
Nystatin ointment for thrush
Nystatin is known to many women as an effective remedy for thrush. This is the name of a disease accompanied by damage to the vagina and vulva by Candida fungus. Women complain of severe itching in the perineum, redness of the vulva, and burning. A whitish, cheesy mass is released from the vagina (this is why the disease is called thrush). In such cases, nystatin ointment for thrush is prescribed.
Treatment of thrush with nystatin ointment is carried out if it is necessary to treat the perineum. For internal use, suppositories with nystatin are used. Before the procedure, wash your hands thoroughly and toilet the external genitalia. A small amount of Nystatin ointment is applied to the mucous membranes of the vaginal vestibule. Treatment is carried out twice a day - morning and evening. The course of treatment is determined individually. More often it is 10–14 days. Representatives of the stronger sex can also use Nystatin: ointment for men is used to treat the genitals.
Nystatin ointment for ears
Poor hygiene of the ear canals and severe accumulation of earwax lead to the formation of plugs. When they are infected with a fungus, otomycosis may develop. The disease can affect either one or both ears. Patients complain of severe ear pain and hearing loss. Often the fungus affects the skin of the auricle, causing swelling and hyperemia to develop.
To defeat the fungus, use Nystatin ointment. The product is applied to the affected areas in a thin layer. 1-2 treatment procedures are prescribed per day. The course of treatment lasts 7–10 days. The patient must strictly adhere to the doctor's recommendations and prescriptions. Nystatin ointment should not be placed in the ear on its own.
Nystatin ointment for pityriasis rosea
Doctors refer to this disease as “Giber’s disease.” Pathology occurs against the background of:
- reducing the body's defenses;
- transferred diseases.
First, a maternal plaque forms: a small spot on the skin, redness with peeling. Then, after a few days, small rashes appear all over the body or in a limited area of the skin. The patient is not worried about anything. Antihistamines and hormonal agents are used for treatment. Nystatin ointment for lichen is powerless, so it is not on the list of prescriptions. Pityriasis rosea, in the absence of irritating effects on the skin, goes away on its own after a few weeks and doctors take a wait-and-see approach.
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Nystatin ointment for hemorrhoids
In each specific case, before using Nystatin ointment, you must consult your doctor. For certain diseases it may be ineffective. Thus, hemorrhoids, accompanied by inflammation of the vessels of the rectum, require the prescription of anti-inflammatory and painkillers. Nystatin ointment is not prescribed for this disease, since it is not fungal in nature.
Nystatin ointment for allergies
Allergic reactions are often accompanied by rashes and itching of the surface of the skin. In such cases, doctors prescribe antihistamines, which are designed to suppress the allergic process. Medicines are used both internally in the form of tablets and for external use.
As for Nystatin ointment, the action of this drug is directed against the fungus. In the case of allergies, it is ineffective. Nystatin ointment itself, the properties of this drug do not allow it to influence factors associated with allergies. This remedy is unable to eliminate itching and burning in this type of pathology. In such cases, doctors use drugs from the group of antihistamines.
Nystatin ointment for vulvitis
Candidiasis vulvitis occurs predominantly in women of reproductive age. One of the reasons for its appearance is the frequent change of sexual partners and violation of intimate hygiene. The disease is accompanied by profuse white vaginal discharge and severe, unbearable itching. To relieve a woman of these symptoms, doctors prescribe Nystatin ointment.
The product is applied to the vulva area after hygiene procedures. The ointment is distributed in a thin layer. Two such procedures are carried out daily: once in the morning and once in the evening, before bed. The duration of treatment is determined individually. In most cases, it takes 10–14 days for the fungal activity to be completely suppressed. Nystatin ointment is a common medicine in gynecology, and the active substance nystatin is included in suppositories.
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Nystatin ointment for herpes
Herpes, known to almost everyone, is a virus in nature. In this regard, we can definitely say that Nystatin ointment will not help in any way with this disease. However, some use it as a symptomatic remedy. In this case, nystatin ointment for itching can be an excellent remedy. However, it must be taken into account that it cannot be used for a long time for this purpose due to the risk of side effects.
Nystatin ointment in dentistry
Oral diseases caused by Candida fungus are more common in young children. When a baby passes through the mother's birth canal, the baby may become infected with a fungus. The mucous membranes of the oral cavity and skin are most often affected. In such cases, Nystatin ointment for stomatitis is an excellent remedy for suppressing the growth of fungus. The product is used as follows:
- apply only to mucous membranes damaged by the fungus;
- For the procedure, use a cotton swab;
- apply twice a day - morning and evening, for at least 10 days in a row.
Nystatin ointment for acne
It is known that many patients, when conducting experiments, discover new properties of the drug that are not described in the instructions for the drug. So, according to reviews on the Internet, nystatin ointment for acne on the face has helped many. This cannot be ruled out. However, before using the product, you need to consult a dermatologist and have a scraping done to make sure that the rash is associated with the presence of Candida fungus on the surface of the skin. Independent use of antibacterial drugs is unacceptable and can lead to negative consequences.
Nystatin ointment for eyes
There is no such definition as nystatin ophthalmic ointment. The product is not used for application to the mucous membrane of the eyes. By referring to the instructions, you can make sure that you should not allow this ointment to come into contact with your eyes. If this happens by accident, you need to rinse your eyes with plenty of water.
Against which forms of thrush is nystatin ointment most effective?
Nystatin ointment is used to treat all external forms of fungal diseases - including thrush. So, if candidiasis develops on the nail plates, this drug is used to get rid of it.
For vaginal candidiasis, this remedy is not used as an independent remedy. But as
Nystatin ointment is an auxiliary that helps fight, coupled with the use of suppositories, douching, tablets or other medications, it helps to quickly get rid of pathogenic strains - even if they are resistant to other drugs.
For oral or intestinal forms of thrush, nystatin ointment is not used.
Which is better - Clotrimazole or Nystatin ointment?
Along with Nystatin, Clotrimazole is used to combat fungus. The product has a wide spectrum of action, high antimicrobial activity and is used to treat diseases associated not only with the Candida fungus. Comparing Nystatin with Clotrimazole, the use of which is limited to the treatment of fungal diseases only, a number of other advantages can be identified:
- Short period of use - the therapeutic effect is registered already on the 6-7th day of use.
- Less frequency of use - Clotrimazole is prescribed more often once every day.
As practice shows, imidazoles, which include Clotrimazole, are more effective in the acute stage of the disease. Doctors use nystatin primarily to treat chronic forms of fungal infection. In addition, it can be used during menstruation, unlike Clotrimazole suppositories. In this case, it is necessary to take into account individual characteristics and the clinical picture of the disease. Self-medication with any of these medications is unacceptable.
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Treatment of external forms of thrush
One of the areas of application of nystatin and products based on it is the treatment of external forms of thrush, for example, candidiasis of the nail plate. In this case, antibiotic drugs are sent directly to the location of the pathogenic microorganism. The effectiveness of such treatment, as reviews show, is quite high.
Nystatin ointment can also be used to treat male thrush. In this case, it is applied directly to the damaged organ. Reviews show average effectiveness, especially in comparison with clotrimazole or drugs based on it, however, in case of individual intolerance to any components of highly effective drugs or due to other factors, nystatin ointment can be used as the main medication.
It is worth considering that the duration of treatment for external forms of thrush using drugs based on nystatin is quite high and is 1-3 weeks, depending on the location of the development of pathogenic microorganisms or the degree of the disease.
Nystatin ointment during pregnancy
According to the results of studies, Nystatin ointment has a local effect. It is practically not absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes. It also does not penetrate the placental barrier. However, the safety of using this drug during gestation has not been proven. In this regard, doctors try not to prescribe Nystatin ointment to women during pregnancy; it does not matter whether it is the 2nd trimester or the last. If the benefit of the medicine for the expectant mother exceeds the risk of developing pathology in the fetus, doctors can resort to using Nystatin, but this is rarely done.
Nystatin ointment for children
The product is used for fungal infections of the skin of infants. Nystatin ointment for newborns is applied directly to the affected areas of the child’s skin. This is done at least 2 times a day using a cotton swab or swabs. The duration of such treatment is determined by pediatricians individually.
In practice, 7–10 days pass from the start of treatment to the complete disappearance of skin lesions. In some cases, when treating older children, treatment of the skin with ointment is accompanied by taking medication in tablet form. Treatment is carried out under the strict supervision of a pediatrician who examines the child at regular intervals.
Nystatin ointment for thrush
It belongs to the polyene group of antibiotics. Nystatin destroys the cell membranes of the fungus and destroys it. The medicine also prevents the infection from spreading further through the skin. Thus, the drug not only relieves the symptoms of the disease, but also eliminates its cause.
Composition and effect of the drug
1 g of ointment contains 100,000 units of nystatin. The drug is available in tubes of 10, 15 or 30 g. In addition to the medicinal substance, the ointment contains petroleum jelly and lanolin.
Instructions for use recommend the drug for a long course of
treatment . The fungus does not develop resistance to the drug. The drug acts only locally, is not absorbed into the skin and does not enter the blood. Therefore, the use of this remedy is practically harmless. The only indication for the use of the medicine is candidiasis of the skin and mucous membranes. The ointment acts exclusively against the yeast-like fungus Candida. Sometimes this remedy is used for preventive purposes; it is prescribed to people who have been treated with antibiotics for a long time.
Contraindications and side effects of nystatin
Nystatin ointment is an antibiotic. Like many other antibacterial drugs, this remedy has contraindications. Instructions for use do not recommend using the product for the following conditions :
- The drug is not used in patients with liver pathologies, pancreatitis, gastric and duodenal ulcers.
- The drug is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity of the body to any component of the drug.
- The product should not be used by pregnant women. There is no exact data on how Nystatin ointment works during lactation. The use of the product for nursing mothers is not recommended.
Side effects are very rare. Only in patients with allergies is a local reaction to the application of the drug possible, which is expressed in the following symptoms :
- skin irritation, rash, urticaria;
- itching
In such cases, you should stop applying the ointment and consult your doctor. No signs of drug overdose were observed.
Compatibility with other medications and alcohol
Nystatin ointment should not be used with other local antifungal agents, especially Clotrimazole. It may reduce the therapeutic effect of these drugs. Some patients are interested in the question of whether it is possible to use Nystatin and alcohol together? The compatibility of the antibiotic and alcohol is poor, so it is necessary to abstain from alcoholic beverages during the course of treatment. Alcohol significantly reduces the effect of the antifungal drug. This applies to both ointments and Nystatin tablets. Side effects of the drug in the form of allergic reactions occur more often when drinking alcohol.
In addition, the patient may experience a state of lethargy and drowsiness.
you can start treatment with ointment :
- for women 9 hours after drinking alcohol;
- for men 6 hours after the last dose of alcohol.
After completing the course of treatment, you must wait some time before drinking alcohol. Women can drink alcohol 12 hours after the last application of the product, and men - after 8 hours.
How to use nystatin for thrush in women and men?
Infection with candidiasis occurs due to poor hygiene, minor damage to the skin and mucous membranes, or long-term use of antibiotics. Thrush occurs in patients with weakened immune systems, such as diabetes or metabolic disorders. The infection affects the genitals and oral cavity. The disease manifests itself in itching and redness of the mucous membranes, the appearance of white discharge, reminiscent of lumps of cottage cheese in consistency.
The affected areas are lubricated with the product 2 times a day.
The course of treatment lasts about 10 - 14 days. When treating vaginal candidiasis in women, the product is additionally applied around the genital organ. This protects against relapse of the disease. The drug can also be used on menstruation days. Together with the woman, her partner should undergo treatment to avoid re-transmission of the fungal infection. Sexual contact should be avoided during therapy. Nystatin is also used for thrush in men. Before using the product, you must wash your genitals with laundry soap and water. Then apply the ointment to a cotton swab and lubricate the affected areas. This procedure is repeated 2 - 3 times a day. For complete recovery it takes 10 - 12 days in the acute form of the disease. For chronic candidiasis, treatment may be longer. If topical application does not help, Nystatin tablets are additionally prescribed orally.
Use of Nystatin in children
Children are susceptible to fungal infections. Infection occurs intrauterinely from the mother or in the first months after birth. Children usually suffer from candidiasis of the skin and oral cavity. It is necessary to begin treatment as soon as possible, since the fungus can penetrate the child’s stomach. candidiasis in children manifests itself in the form of diaper rash. This is redness and irritation of the skin in the groin area and armpits. When a fungal infection of the oral cavity occurs, white, curd-like rashes appear on the gums. Nystatin ointment is safe for a child, as it is not absorbed into the skin or blood. For diaper rash, the affected areas of the skin are lubricated with the drug 3 times a day. Usually improvement occurs within 2 to 3 days. Diaper rash can occur not only in children, but also in adults, for example, in bedridden patients. In this case, the ointment is applied in the same way. For stomatitis, the ointment is used only if the cause of the disease is fungus . The drug is applied to a tampon and lubricated on the affected areas of the gums. The procedure is repeated morning and evening.
Nystatin ointment - side effects
As noted above, nystatin ointment is an antibacterial drug, and antibiotics often cause side effects. Even with external use of the medicine, it is difficult to completely eliminate negative reactions from the body. Doctors advise you to be attentive to your well-being and report any changes to them.
If you refer to the instructions that accompany the medicine, it lists among the side effects:
- hypersensitivity to the drug;
- allergic reactions at the site of application;
- itching;
- burning;
- rash;
- eczema;
- hyperemia of the skin.
Complex treatment
Due to the gentle effect of nystatin, it can be used for long-term systemic treatment of thrush. In this case, a complex intake of drugs based on this substance is carried out - that is, tablets, ointments, and suppositories at the same time (if necessary, the latter).
The effectiveness of complex treatment usually exceeds the effectiveness of local treatment. However, the time required for complete healing, as reviews show, does not change. The reason for this is the different localization of the drug’s action - nystatin is poorly absorbed into the blood and is quickly eliminated from the body by natural means, as a result of which it becomes ineffective when taken exclusively orally. But it is worth considering that fungi from the genus Candida develop not only at the site of thrush. They also enter the gastrointestinal tract, as a result of which they are also localized on the internal mucous tissues of the body. Therefore, to get rid of candidiasis as effectively as possible, comprehensive treatment is recommended.
Reviews show that complex (or systemic) treatment of thrush using nystatin-based drugs is quite effective. In this case, the simultaneous application of ointments or the introduction of suppositories at the site of candidiasis and the taking of tablets to “cleanse” the intestines and mouth from remnants of pathogenic strains of the fungus are carried out.
Nystatin ointment - analogues
The number of antifungal drugs is constantly expanding. Pharmacologists develop new drugs and improve old ones. Experts are constantly working on the effectiveness and tolerability of drugs. The forms and compositions of medicines are being improved, which helps reduce the incidence of adverse reactions due to their use. Among the drugs that have an antifungal effect, similar to the properties of Nystatin ointment, analogues include the following:
- Ketozaral;
- Fluconazole;
- Terbizil;
- Terbinafine;
- Mycocide;
- Exoderil.
