Mycostatin general information

What is Mycostatin used for?

Mycostatin cream used to treat infections of the skin and mucous membrane of the mouth and oral cavity caused by the yeast-like fungus Candida albicans.  Infection with Candida (candidiasis) is also known as oral thrush and appears as patches of creamy/white spots in the mouth, usually the tongue or cheeks, but can spread to the gums and back of the throat.  The infection can cause discomfort and bleed if disturbed such as when brushing your teeth.  Candida is normally present in the mouth in small amounts and is kept from spreading by other microorganisms.  However, if Candida grows unchecked and increases in numbers sufficient to tip the healthy balance between yeast and bacteria, this can cause infection.  Some conditions like diabetes and impaired immune system, such as those imunocompromised by HIV infection, can disturb this balance; also some medications like antibiotics and corticosteroids.  Wearing ill-fitting dentures can also increase the risk of Candida infection.  Mycostatin cream is used as a topical treatment to kill the Candida yeast that causes infection in the mouth, relieving symptoms and preventing spread of infection.  

How does Mycostatin work?

Mycostatin cream contains nystatin, an antifungal that works by binding to ergosterol, an important component of fungal cell membrane that is not found in animal cells.  This weakens the fungal cell membrane, causing a change in permeability and allowing the cell contents to leak out, which kills the fungus, preventing the infection from spreading and relieving symptoms caused by the infection.  Nystatin in Mycostatin cream does not absorb from skin or mucous membranes into the blood in sufficient amounts to be effective anywhere else in the body.

What does Mycostatin contain?

Mycostatin cream contains the active ingredient nystatin, an antifungal that is used to treat Candida infections of the skin and mucous membrane of the mouth and oral cavity.

Treating oral thrush with Mycostatin

Mycostatin cream contains nystatin, an antifungal used to treat infections of the mouth and oral cavity caused by the yeast-like fungus Candida albicans, also known as oral thrush.  Candida is normally present in the mouth in small amounts and is kept from spreading by a healthy balance between yeast and bacteria.  However, some conditions like diabetes and impaired immune system, such as those imunocompromised by HIV infection, can disturb this balance; also some medications like antibiotics and corticosteroids.  This allows Candida to grow unchecked and result in an infection, which appears as patches of creamy/white spots in the mouth, usually the tongue or cheeks, but can spread to the gums and back of the throat.  Wearing ill-fitting dentures can also increase the risk of Candida infection.  Nystatin in Mycostatin works by binding to ergosterol, an important component of fungal cell membrane that is not found in animal cells.  This weakens the fungal cell membrane, causing a change in permeability and allowing the cell contents to leak out, which kills the fungus, preventing the infection from spreading and relieving symptoms caused by the infection, including discomfort and bleeding. 

What are the side effects of Mycostatin?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Mycostatin include local irritation at the site of application like rash, dermatitis, itching and burning.

When should Mycostatin not be used?

You should not use Mycostatin cream if you:

• are allergic to nystatin or any ingredients in Mycostatin
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor

How should Mycostatin be used?

You should apply your Mycostatin cream liberally to affected area twice daily, and you should continue to use your Mycostatin cream until the infection has cleared up and infected areas are fully healed.

How long should you use Mycostatin?

You should continue to use your Mycostatin cream until the infection has cleared up and infected areas are fully healed

Missed dose of Mycostatin

If you miss a dose of Mycostatin cream apply it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to apply the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not apply a double dose.

How should Mycostatin be stored?

You should store your Mycostatin cream below 25°C in a cool dry place.