Nystatin

Major Uses

Nystatin is an antifungal medication that is used to treat oral and gastrointestinal tract candida infections. It is primarily used in dogs, cats, and birds, but is sometimes used in other species as well.

Common Precautions

The most common negative side effects associated with nystatin are anorexia, vomiting, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. Other possible side effects can include burning, itching, rash, eczema, and pain upon application. Nystatin should not be used in pregnant patients, as its safety has not yet been determined.

Nystatin should not be used in animals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to the drug. A veterinarian should be contacted immediately if an overdose is suspected, the most common symptom of which is primarily transient GI distress. Nystatin is not absorbed after oral administration, so acute toxicity is unlikely during an overdose.

Storage

Nystatin should be stored in a tightly sealed, light resistant, childproof container and kept at room temperature. The oral suspension should be protected from freezing, and also from temperatures above 104 degrees Fahrenheit. It should be kept away from the reach of children.

Administration

When treating candidal infections in dogs, a typical dose of nystatin is between 22,000-150,000 units every 6-24 hours. For cats, a typical dose for treating candidal infections is 100,000 units every 6 hours. When treating crop mycosis and mycotic diarrhea in birds, a typical dose is 50-100 grams/ton for 7-10 days. When treating candidal infections in birds, a typical dose is 100,000-300,000 units/kg every 8-12 hours. If a dose is missed, it should be administered as soon as possible. Two doses should never be administered at the same time.

Doses may vary in different species, when the drug is given by a different route or concurrently with other medications, and with regards to a patient's age, breed, and health status. A veterinarian's dosing instructions and/or those printed on the medication label should be followed closely.