Sometimes, you may have noticed that inside our mouths, especially in small babies, there are white patches that look like milk glue on the tongue, palate, and inside the cheeks. We usually call this condition 'oral thrush'. Medically speaking, this is a fungal infection. So, a medicine that doctors often recommend as a treatment for this is Nystatin Suspension. This is a medicine that comes in the form of a liquid. Today, we will talk clearly about this medicine, how to use it, and things to be careful about.
What kind of medicine is Nystatin?
Simply put, Nystatin is an antifungal . This means that this medicine helps control and eliminate yeast or fungal infections that develop in our body, especially in the mouth.
The most important thing is that this medicine only works on fungi. It has no effect on infections caused by bacteria or viruses. Therefore, it is not recommended to use it on all mouth sores without the advice of a doctor.
Things you should tell your doctor before taking medication
It is very important to inform your doctor about these things before giving Nystatin to you or your baby, as the dosage and duration of use may change based on this information.
| Situation to be concerned about | Why should you inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Diabetes | Nystatin suspension may contain sugar, so the doctor should be aware of how this may affect diabetic patients. |
| Kidney disease | If you have any kidney-related condition, be sure to tell us about it. |
| Allergies | Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergy to Nystatin or any of its ingredients (e.g., parabens, thimerosal). Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to other foods or medications. |
| Pregnancy or breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, it is imperative that you inform your doctor before using this medicine. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
To get the most out of the medicine, it is very important to use it correctly.
1. Shake well: Before using, shake the medicine bottle well. This will mix the ingredients well.
2. Measure the correct dose: Use the special dropper (medicine measuring device) that comes with the medicine to measure the correct amount your doctor tells you to take. If you don't have one, ask your doctor about it.
3. Hold in mouth: Place exactly half of the measured amount of medicine on one side of the mouth (one cheek) and the other half on the other side .
4. Swish: Now swish this medicine around your mouth for as long as possible , making sure it hits your tongue, palate, inside your cheeks, and gums well. It's like rinsing your mouth.
5. Swallow or spit out: Then, swallow or spit out the medicine as instructed by your doctor. Usually, for young children, they are told to swallow.
6. Take it on time: Take your medicine at the prescribed time, as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip a single dose.
7. Don't stop taking the medicine halfway: Even if your symptoms have subsided or you feel better, don't stop taking the medicine for the number of days your doctor prescribed. If you stop, the infection may recur.
When given to small children
Special care is needed when giving this medicine to young children. Talk to your doctor about this and get advice. Sometimes, you may be asked to apply the medicine to a small cotton bud and apply it to the infected areas.
Overdosage
If you think you have taken too much medicine, go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What to do if you miss a dose of medicine?
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 the next dose at the scheduled time. Never double the dose to make up for a missed dose.
Let's also learn about side effects.
Like all medicines, Nystatin can cause minor side effects, although not everyone gets them.
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Severe Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Skin changes inside the mouth | Redness, blistering, peeling, or soreness of the skin inside the mouth. |
| Usually not serious (but tell your doctor if it persists) | |
| Mouth discomfort | Feeling a slight burning sensation or discomfort inside the mouth when using the medicine. |
| Stomach upset | Conditions such as stomach upset, nausea, or vomiting. |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, talk to your doctor about them as well.
How to store the medicine?
- Keep away from children: This is the most important thing. Always keep medicines out of reach of small children, at a high place.
- Store at room temperature: Typically, store at a temperature between 15-25 degrees Celsius (59-77 Fahrenheit). No need to refrigerate.
- Protect from light: Avoid exposure to direct sunlight.
- Throw away after expiration: Throw away the medicine once the expiration date on the bottle has passed.
Finally, although this article provides you with general information about Nystatin, it is not a substitute for the advice of your doctor. If you have any questions about this medication, do not hesitate to ask your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Nystatin is a medicine used to treat fungal infections in the mouth (thrush). Always use this only under the advice of a doctor.
- Before using the medicine, swish it around your mouth thoroughly to get all the way around, and hold it there for as long as possible.
- Even if your symptoms subside, continue taking the medicine for the full number of days prescribed by your doctor.
- If you experience severe allergic symptoms such as swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, seek medical advice immediately.
- Always store medicine in a safe place out of the reach of children.
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