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Overview: Topical nystatin is commonly used to treat certain fungal infections on your skin. It is an antifungal medicine that disrupts the fungi’s cell structure. The most common side effects are allergic reactions, burning, itching, rash, eczema, and pain where the product is applied. Topical nystatin is available as a cream, powder, or ointment that is applied to the skin.

Uses

What is topical nystatin used for?

Topical nystatin is used to treat certain yeast (fungal) infections on your skin.

Topical nystatin may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does topical nystatin work (mechanism of action)?

Topical nystatin is an antifungal medicine that helps treat fungal infections by disrupting the fungi’s cell structure.

How is topical nystatin supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Mycostatin
  • Nystop

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 100,000 units per gram topical cream, powder, and ointment

Nystatin is also available in a form that is taken by mouth. See Nystatin for more information. 

How should I store topical nystatin?

Topical nystatin should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. 

Topical Cream. Do not freeze nystatin topical cream. 

Topical Powder. Do not expose nystatin topical powder to excessive heat (104 F [40 C] or higher), and keep the container tightly closed.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of topical nystatin?

The most common side effects of topical nystatin are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Allergic reactions (see below)
  • Burning
  • Itching
  • Rash
  • Eczema
  • Pain where the product is applied

There may be other side effects of topical nystatin that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of topical nystatin?

While less common, the most serious side effects of topical nystatin are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Topical nystatin may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using topical nystatin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Irritation and Other Skin Reactions. Topical nystatin may cause irritation and other skin reactions, such as redness, swelling, or itching. Stop using topical nystatin and contact your healthcare provider if you have any bothersome skin reactions.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use topical nystatin?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use topical nystatin.

  • Nystatin
  • Mycostatin
  • Nystop
  • Nilstat
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific topical nystatin products they stock.

What should I know about topical nystatin before using it?

Do not use topical nystatin unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share topical nystatin with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep topical nystatin out of the reach of children.

Topical nystatin should be used for the full prescribed course. Do not stop using it earlier than instructed, even if your symptoms get better.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using topical nystatin?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if topical nystatin is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how topical nystatin could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if topical nystatin passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use topical nystatin while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does topical nystatin interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between topical nystatin and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect topical nystatin.

Does topical nystatin interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between topical nystatin and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much topical nystatin?

If you or someone else has used too much topical nystatin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of topical nystatin?

If you miss your scheduled dose of topical nystatin, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and follow the original schedule. Do not apply topical nystatin more often than prescribed.