How It Works
Nystatin is an antibiotic that kills yeast, such as Candida albicans.
Nystatin is used as a cream or ointment to treat
yeast infections of the breast and nipple. A liquid
formulation is used to treat
thrush in a baby's mouth. For more information, see
the topic
Thrush.
Why It Is Used
Nystatin is used to treat a yeast infection that is causing:
- Red or very pink nipples with burning pain upon
breast-feeding or breast-pumping or between feedings.
- Thick, white
patches in the mouth and/or a red rash in the diaper area (one type of diaper
rash) of the breast-feeding infant.
How Well It Works
Nystatin often relieves the symptoms of breast yeast infections in
24 to 72 hours. Treatment for thrush in the child usually takes 1 to 2 weeks.
Treatment is continued for 7 to 14 days after symptoms clear up to ensure that
the yeast has been eliminated.1
Side Effects
All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.
Here are some important things to think about:
- Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
- Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
- If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you have:
- Trouble breathing.
- Hives.
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Nystatin rarely causes side effects in a mother or breast-feeding
child. High oral doses may produce diarrhea, belly pain, and/or
nausea.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference
is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Usually both the breast-feeding woman and her baby are treated at
the same time, even if only one of the two has symptoms.
Talk to your doctor if tenderness and redness go away but deep pain
in the breast continues. The infection may be
inside the breast. You will usually need another prescription medicine that may
be taken for a couple of weeks or more.
Taking medicine
Medicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat a health problem. Taking medicine as your doctor suggests will improve your health and may prevent future problems. If you don't take your medicines properly, you may be putting your health (and perhaps your life) at risk.
There are many reasons why people have trouble taking their medicine. But in most cases, there is something you can do. For suggestions on how to work around common problems, see the topic Taking Medicines as Prescribed.
Advice for women
When you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant, do not use any medicines unless your doctor tells you to. Some medicines can harm your baby. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements. And make sure that all your doctors know that you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant.
Checkups
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
References
Citations
- Lawrence RM, Lawrence RA (2009). The breast and
physiology of lactation. In RK Creasy et al., eds., Creasy and Resnik's Maternal-Fetal Medicine, 6th ed., pp. 125–142. Philadelphia:
Saunders Elsevier.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Kirtly Jones, MD, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
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| Last Revised | April 14, 2011 |
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Lawrence RM, Lawrence RA (2009). The breast and
physiology of lactation. In RK Creasy et al., eds., Creasy and Resnik's Maternal-Fetal Medicine, 6th ed., pp. 125–142. Philadelphia:
Saunders Elsevier.
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