Nystatin Suspension

What is this medication for?

Nystatin suspension is an antifungal medication used to prevent and treat fungal infections (caused by yeast) of the mouth and throat. It may also be used to treat intestinal fungal infections and to protect against fungal overgrowth during treatment with antibiotics or steroid medications.

This medication works by stopping the growth of fungi that cause these infections.

How should I take or use this medication?

• Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.
• Complete the course as prescribed by the doctor.
• This medication can be taken with or without food.
• Shake the bottle well before each use.
• Use a measuring spoon, cup or syringe to measure the correct amount.
• For mouth and throat infections, hold or swish the medication in your mouth for as long as possible before swallowing.
• Do not eat or drink within 30 minutes of taking this medication. This prevents the washing the medication out of the mouth too soon.
• If you wear dentures and have a mouth infection, you may need to soak your dentures overnight in this medication as advised by your healthcare professional.

For infants:

• Use a dropper to administer half of the dose into each side of the mouth.
• Avoid feedings for 10 minutes after giving the medication.

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember if it is not close to the next dose. Otherwise, you should skip the dose and take the next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses together to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.

If you have any question about this medication, please discuss with your healthcare professional.

What are some common side effects of this medication? ​

When taken in large doses, this medication may cause:

• Diarrhoea
• Stomach discomfort
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Most of these side-effects listed here will improve with time.

Speak with your healthcare professionals if any of these continues, worsens, or affects your daily life.

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately? 

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

You can also find out about drug allergies by watching these videos:

For videos in 中文, Melayu and தமிழ், click here.
 

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

There are no known significant food or drug interactions with this medication.

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

How do I throw away this medication safely? ​

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.