When I choose nystatin suspension – in which patients, and in which clinical situations is it worth reaching for it? Review article

Abstract

Nystatin is an effective antifungal drug, usually available as a suspension, used to treat infections caused by Candida spp.: candidiasis of the skin and mucous membranes, including diaper rash, thrush, esophageal candidiasis, and vaginal candidiasis. Clinical trials have confirmed that nystatin has real benefits superior to placebo, and its effectiveness increases with dose and length of therapy. The article discusses in which clinical situations nystatin suspension is worth using, the benefits of the therapy, and possible side effects. The main advantages of nystatin include its safety due to minimal systemic absorption and its effect through ergosterol, absent in mammalian cells, its wide range of activity against candida, and its low risk of developing resistance, which ensures efficacy with long-term and repeated use. The safety of therapy makes nystatin the first-choice drug in non-invasive candidiasis for vulnerable patients, infants, the elderly, patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, and pregnant and breastfeeding women.