Do you have white patches, sometimes like milky discharge, inside your mouth, on your tongue, lips, or throat? Do you have sores in your mouth that make it painful to eat or drink? This condition is often a fungal infection of the mouth. One of the main medications that a doctor will prescribe for you in such a situation is Nystatin. Today, let's talk about how to use these Nystatin lozenges exactly and what you need to be careful about.
Simply put, what is Nystatin?
Nystatin is an antifungal medication. Simply put, it kills certain types of fungi, such as yeast, that grow in our bodies, especially in the mouth. Doctors usually prescribe this medication to treat oral thrush. It most often comes in the form of a lozenge that you suck and dissolve in your mouth.
Things you should tell your doctor before taking medication
Before starting any medication, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Be sure to tell them about these facts before taking Nystatin.
- Allergies: Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to Nystatin or any other medication. Also, tell your doctor if you have any allergies to certain foods, food dyes, or preservatives.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is essential to tell your doctor.
- Breastfeeding: If you are a breastfeeding mother, talk to your doctor about that as well.
Providing this information will make it easier for your doctor to determine how safe this medication is for you and provide the most appropriate treatment.
How exactly do I use this medicine?
This is the most important part. To get the full benefit of the medicine, you need to use it correctly.
1. Do not swallow or chew: This is not a pill that you should swallow with water like a regular pill. It is also not recommended to chew it.
2. Hold the tablet in your mouth and let it dissolve: Hold the tablet in one side of your mouth (between your cheek and gum) and suck on it until it dissolves completely. The medicine should spread all over your mouth and touch the areas where the fungus is present. This is when it will work properly.
3. Take your medicine at the right time: Take it exactly as your doctor tells you to take it, at the right time, and how many times a day. Don't skip meals.
4. Complete the course: Even if you start to feel better in two or three days, take the medicine for the full number of days prescribed by your doctor. Otherwise, the infection may return. Do not stop taking the medicine without your doctor's advice.
5. When giving to young children: Special care may be required when giving this medicine to young children. Therefore, talk to your pediatrician about it and get advice.
What if I miss a medication or increase the dosage ?
- Missed Dose: If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose for any reason.
- Overdose : If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Alternatively, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Other things to consider when taking the medicine
- Pay attention to symptoms: If your symptoms do not improve or worsen despite taking medication, tell your doctor.
- Other medications: Tell your doctor about any other medications, vitamins, and herbs you are taking. Nystatin usually doesn't cause any major problems with other medications, but it's always a good idea to give a full explanation.
- If you wear dentures: If you wear dentures, ask your doctor how to properly clean them, as they can harbor fungus.
What are the possible side effects?
Like all medications, Nystatin can cause minor side effects. It's important to be aware of these.
| Type of side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Mouth inflammation or pain | Unusual burning or pain inside the mouth when using the medicine. |
| Skin changes | Redness, blistering, or peeling of the skin or inside the mouth. |
| Usually nothing to worry about, but if it persists, here are some things to tell your doctor: | |
| Stomach discomfort | Conditions such as stomach ache, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. |
How to store the medicine?
- Keep out of reach of children: Always keep medicines safely out of reach of small children.
- Store in the refrigerator: It is generally recommended to store these pills in a refrigerator, such as the door of the fridge, at a temperature between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius. But never store them in the freezer. It is not good to freeze the medicine.
- Discard after expiration: Discard the medicine after the expiration date on the medication label.
Take-Home Message
- Nystatin is a medicine for fungal infections in the mouth. It should be kept in the mouth and allowed to dissolve, without swallowing.
- Even if you feel less uncomfortable, take the medication for the full number of days prescribed by the doctor.
- Before taking the medicine, be sure to tell your doctor about your allergies, pregnancy, and other medications you are taking.
- If you experience severe allergic symptoms such as facial swelling or skin rashes, seek medical advice immediately.
- Keep the medicine in the fridge. Do not store in the freezer.
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