Nystatin: uses, side effects & brands

Written & medically reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS · Last reviewed 5 November 2026

Nystatin treats oral and gut thrush, acting locally. It belongs to the Antifungal (systemic, advanced) group. These treat serious internal fungal infections and some resistant skin/nail cases.

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Drug type — dosing is set by your doctor

Measure	Range
Drug class	Antifungal (systemic, advanced)
Type	Prescription
Dose	Individual — ask your doctor or pharmacist

What it is used for

Oral thrush (mouth)
Thrush in the gut
Candida skin and nappy-area infections (cream)
Preventing thrush in some high-risk patients

Common brand names

India: Mycostatin, Candid Mouth Paint (clotrimazole alt)
Worldwide: Nystop, Mycostatin

Common side effects

Nausea
Mild diarrhoea
Mouth irritation

Before taking it — precautions

It is barely absorbed, so it works only where it touches
For mouth thrush, keep the liquid in the mouth before swallowing and remove dentures
Finish the course as advised even if it looks better

When to see a doctor urgently

Rash, itching or swelling of face or lips (urgent)
Thrush that is not improving or keeps returning
Pain or difficulty swallowing

Not a prescription — no dose shown. The right dose of nystatin depends on age, weight, kidney/liver function and the condition, so MedDroid does not show a dose here. Always get your dose from a doctor or pharmacist and the leaflet inside the pack. General educational information only.

Frequently asked questions

How do I use nystatin drops for a baby?

Apply them inside the mouth on the white patches, after feeds. If breastfeeding, check the nipples for thrush too.

Can it treat infections inside the body?

No. It is not absorbed into the blood, so it only treats the mouth, gut or skin.

Why does my mouth thrush keep coming back?

Dentures, steroid inhalers, diabetes or a weak immune system can cause recurrence. Ask your doctor to check.

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Sources & further reading

Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.