Does Mycostatin (nystatin) cause side effects?
Mycostatin (nystatin) suspension is an antifungal liquid medication prescribed to treat fungal infections of the mouth (like oral thrush).
Nystatin works by binding to sterols in the walls of fungal cells, disturbing function of the cell wall. The fungal cells eventually lose their contents, leading to their death and improvement of the fungal infection. The brand name Mycostatin is discontinued.
Common side effects of Mycostatin include
Serious side effects of Mycostatin include Stevens-Johnson syndrome (rare).
There are no significant drug interactions with Mycostatin.
There are no adequate studies done with Mycostatin to determine safe and effective use in pregnant women.
It is unknown if Mycostatin enters breast milk; it is best to be cautious before using it in breastfeeding mothers.
What are the important side effects of Mycostatin (nystatin)?
Common side effects of nystatin include:
Other side effects of nystatin include:
- Contact dermatitis
- Allergic reactions
Possible serious side effects of nystatin include:
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Mycostatin (nystatin) side effects list for healthcare professionals
The frequency of adverse events reported in patients using Mycostatin (nystatin) preparations is less than 0.1%.
The more common events that were reported include
Summary
Mycostatin (nystatin) suspension is an antifungal liquid medication prescribed to treat fungal infections of the mouth (like oral thrush). Common side effects of Mycostatin include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, rash, skin irritation, and allergic reactions. Serious side effects of Mycostatin include Stevens-Johnson syndrome (rare). There are no adequate studies done with Mycostatin to determine safe and effective use in pregnant women. It is unknown if Mycostatin enters breast milk.
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Related Disease Conditions
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Thrush (Oral Candidiasis)
Thrush is an infection of the mouth caused by the Candida fungus. Symptoms of thrush include pain or difficulty swallowing, a feeling that food gets stuck in the throat, and fever. Treatment of thrush depends on the cause and severity of the infection. Infants, toddlers, and children with thrush often do not require treatment.
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Oral Thrush in Children
Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of a type of fungus called Candida. Oral thrush is a yeast infection of the mouth and throat. Oral thrush and yeast infections are treated orally or topically with an antifungal antibiotic called nystatin.
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Is Thrush Contagious?
Thrush is a fungal infection caused by Candida albicans. An infant with thrush can infect his/her mother with thrush during breastfeeding. Treatment typically involves using antifungal lozenges or mouthwash.
Treatment & Diagnosis
Medications & Supplements
- nystatin (oral tablet and capsule)
- nystatin/metronidazole-vaginal insert
- nystatin/metronidazole-vaginal ovule
- nystatin
- nystatin oral suspension, Bio-Statin, (Mycostatin, Nilstat, and Nystex are discontinued)
- nystatin lozenge (pastille)-oral, Mycostatin
- nystatin powder suspension - oral
- neomycin-gramicidin-nystatin-triamcinolone-cream
- nystatin/metronidazole-vaginal cream
- nystatin/triamcinolone - topical, Mycolog II
- Nikita (pitavastatin)

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Professional side effects and drug interactions sections courtesy of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.