DESCRIPTION
Nystatin is a polyene antifungal antibiotic obtained from Streptomyces noursei. The molecular formula for Nystatin is C 47H 75NO 17. The molecular weight of Nystatin is 926.1.
Structural formula:
Nystatin topical powder is for dermatologic use.
Nystatin topical powder contains 100,000 USP nystatin units per gram dispersed in talc.
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
Microbiology
Nystatin is an antibiotic which is both fungistatic and fungicidal in vitroagainst a wide variety of yeasts and yeast-like fungi, including Candida albicans, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, C. guilliermondi, C. pseudotropicalis, C. krusei, Torulopsis glabrata, Tricophyton rubrum, T. mentagrophytes.
Nystatin acts by binding to sterols in the cell membrane of susceptible species resulting in a change in membrane permeability and the subsequent leakage of intracellular components. On repeated subculturing with increasing levels of nystatin, Candida albicansdoes not develop resistance to nystatin. Generally, resistance to nystatin does not develop during therapy. However, other species of Candida (C. tropicalis, C. guilliermondi, C. krusei,and C. stellatoides)become quite resistant on treatment with nystatin and simultaneously become cross resistant to amphotericin as well. This resistance is lost when the antibiotic is removed.
Nystatin exhibits no appreciable activity against bacteria, protozoa, or viruses.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Nystatin topical powder is indicated in the treatment of cutaneous or mucocutaneous mycotic infections caused by Candida albicansand other susceptible Candidaspecies.
Nystatin topical powder is not indicated for systemic, oral, intravaginal or ophthalmic use.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Nystatin topical powder is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to anyof its components.
PRECAUTIONS
General
Nystatin topical powder should not be used for the treatment of systemic, oral, intravaginal or ophthalmic infections.
If irritation or sensitization develops, treatment should be discontinued and appropriate measures taken as indicated. It is recommended that KOH smears, cultures, or other diagnostic methods be used to confirm the diagnosis of cutaneous or mucocutaneous candidiasis and to rule out infection caused by other pathogens.
INFORMATION FOR THE PATIENT
Patients using this medication should receive the following information and instructions:
- The patient should be instructed to use this medication as directed (including the replacement of missed doses). This medication is not for any disorder other than that for which it is prescribed.
- Even if symptomatic relief occurs within the first few days of treatment, the patient should be advised not to interrupt or discontinue therapy until the prescribed course of treatment is completed.
- If symptoms of irritation develop, the patient should be advised to notify the physician promptly.
Laboratory Tests
If there is lack of therapeutic response, KOH smears, cultures, or other diagnostic methods should be repeated.
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
No long-term animal studies have been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of nystatin. No studies have been performed to determine the mutagenicity of nystatin or its effects on male or female fertility.
Pregnancy
Teratogenic Effects
Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with any nystatin topical preparation. It also is not known whether these preparations can cause fetal harm when used by a pregnant woman or can affect reproductive capacity. Nystatin topical powder should be prescribed for a pregnant woman only if the potential benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risk to the fetus.
Nursing Mothers
It is not known whether nystatin is excreted in human milk. Caution should be exercised when nystatin is prescribed for a nursing woman.
Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness have been established in the pediatric population from birth to 16 years. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION.)
Geriatric Use
Clinical studies with nystatin topical powder did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 years and older to determine whether they respond differently than younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
The frequency of adverse events reported in patients using nystatin topical powder is less than 0.1%. The more common events that were reported include allergic reactions, burning, itching, rash, eczema, and pain on application. (See PRECAUTIONS, General.)
HOW SUPPLIED
Nystatin topical powder, USP is supplied as 100,000 units nystatin per gram in plastic squeeze bottles:
15g (NDC 16714-769-01)
30g (NDC 16714-769-02)
60g (NDC 16714-769-03)
