How And When To Take Or Use Nystatin

NHS medicines information on dosage for nystatin, how to take or use it and what to do if you miss a dose or take or use too much.

It's important to take or use nystatin for as long as your doctor recommends. If you stop taking it too soon, the infection can come back.

Dosage for nystatin liquid

The usual dose of nystatin for adults, babies and children is:

• to treat oral thrush - 1ml, taken 4 times a day. Leave at least 3 hours between doses. If your doctor gives you different instructions, follow their advice
• to prevent oral thrush - 1ml, taken once or twice a day

How to take nystatin liquid

It's best to take nystatin liquid after a meal or some food. However, do not mix it with food or water or any other drink.

1. Shake the bottle well.
2. Take the lid off and measure out the right amount using an oral syringe, medicine spoon or dropper. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not measure the right amount.
3. Put the medicine in your mouth.
4. Keep it in your mouth for at least 30 seconds if possible, swilling it around your mouth like a mouthwash before you swallow it.
5. Do not eat or drink anything for 30 minutes after taking it. This stops you washing the medicine out of your mouth too soon.

It may be difficult to get your child to keep it in their mouth, but encourage them to do this if they can. Do not worry if they cannot. The medicine will still help even if they swallow it quickly.

Nystatin cream or ointment

Nystatin is also available mixed with other ingredients in creams and ointments. Your doctor will advise you on which is best for you.

You'll usually apply a cream or ointment 2 or 3 times a day. The amount you use will depend on the skin condition you have. Your doctor or pharmacist will tell you how much to use.

How long to take or use it for

It usually takes nystatin liquid around a week to treat oral thrush, but you'll need to continue taking it for 2 days after this to make sure all the fungus has been killed. Take it for as long as your doctor advises.

If you're using nystatin to prevent oral thrush, your doctor will tell you how long to take it for.

If you're using cream or ointment containing nystatin mixed with other ingredients, you may only need to use it for 7 to 14 days but it will depend on your skin condition. Your doctor will tell you how long to use it for.

If you forget to take or use it

If you forget a dose, take or use it as soon as you remember, unless it's less than 3 hours until your next dose. In this case, just skip the missed dose and have your next one at the usual time.

Do not take or use 2 doses to make up for a missed dose.

If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to remember your medicines.

If you take or use too much

Nystatin is generally very safe. Taking too much liquid or using too much cream or ointment is unlikely to harm you or your child.

If you're worried, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

If your nystatin cream or ointment contains a strong steroid called clobetasol, talk to your pharmacist or doctor. They'll be able to tell you if you've used too much.

If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.