Antifungal Agent: Nystatin Oral Liquid 1 Lac IU/mL (100,000 International Units/mL) is a liquid medication containing nystatin, a polyene antifungal antibiotic.1
Formulation: It is an oral suspension specifically designed for ease of use in infants and children (indicated by “P” for pediatric).
Topical Action: The liquid is intended for local use in the mouth and gastrointestinal tract and is not significantly absorbed into the bloodstream.
Palatability: The oral suspension is often flavored to enhance palatability and improve compliance, especially in pediatric patients.
Advantages
Targeted Oral Treatment: Provides a highly effective and targeted treatment for fungal infections of the mouth, throat, and esophagus, concentrating the active ingredient directly at the site of infection.
Broad Spectrum Against Yeasts: Nystatin is both fungistatic and fungicidal against a wide variety of yeasts and yeast-like fungi, with high activity against Candida species.2
Easy to Administer: The liquid formulation, often with a calibrated dropper, allows for precise and easy administration, which is crucial for infants and young children.3
Minimal Systemic Absorption: Due to its minimal absorption from the gastrointestinal tract, it has a good safety profile with a very low risk of systemic side effects.4
Uses
Oral Candidiasis (Thrush): The primary indication is for the treatment of oral candidiasis, also known as thrush, in infants, children, and adults.
Prophylaxis: Can be used as a prophylactic measure to prevent candidal infections of the mouth and pharynx in high-risk patients, such as those with weakened immune systems or those on long-term antibiotic or corticosteroid therapy.
Esophageal Candidiasis: It is also used to treat candidal infections of the esophagus and other parts of the gastrointestinal tract.
Confirmed Diagnosis: This medication is used after a diagnosis of candidiasis has been confirmed by appropriate clinical examination or laboratory testing.
Nature
Polyene Antifungal Class: Nystatin belongs to the polyene class of antifungal drugs, which are characterized by their mechanism of action involving binding to fungal cell membranes.5
Mechanism of Action: It acts by binding to ergosterol, a key sterol present in the cell membrane of sensitive fungi. This binding creates pores in the membrane, leading to an increased permeability and leakage of intracellular components, which ultimately causes the death of the fungal cell.6
No Bacterial/Viral Activity: Nystatin is not active against bacteria, protozoa, or viruses, making it a specific treatment for fungal infections.7
Minimal Resistance: Resistance to nystatin is minimal in Candida albicans, the most common cause of candidal infections, making it a reliable first-line treatment.8
Storage
Temperature: Store the Nystatin Oral Liquid at controlled room temperature, typically below 930∘C (1086∘F), in a cool and dry place.11
Protection: The liquid must be kept in its original, tightly sealed bottle, protected from light and moisture, to maintain its stability and effectiveness.
Administration: The medication should be shaken well before each use. For oral thrush, it is often recommended to hold the liquid in the mouth for as long as possible before swallowing, to allow for maximum contact with the infected areas.12
Expiry Date: Always check the expiry date on the bottle and discard any unused or outdated medication, as the potency of the active ingredient may decrease over time.
