What you need to know about Mycostatin

Mycostatin, also known as Nystatin, is an antifungal medication used to treat various types of fungal infections. The medication comes in a variety of forms, including tablets, topical creams, and oral suspension. In this article, we will focus on the use of Mycostatin suspension, including its mechanism of action, dosage, interaction with other drugs, contraindications and principle of action.

What is Mycostatin?

Mycostatin is an antifungal medication that contains the active ingredient nystatin. Nystatin is a polyene macrolide antibiotic that acts by binding to the membrane of the fungal cell, causing it to leak and eventually leading to the death of the fungal cell. The drug is used to treat various types of fungal infections, including oral thrush, diaper rash, and vaginal yeast infections.

Mechanism of action of Mycostatin

As mentioned earlier, Mycostatin contains nystatin, which is a polyene macrolide antibiotic. Nystatin binds to ergosterol, a component of the cell membrane of fungi, causing it to leak. This leads to a loss of intracellular contents, including electrolytes and small molecules, which ultimately leads to the death of the fungal cell. Mycostatin is a fungistatic drug, which means that it prevents the growth and reproduction of fungi, but does not kill them completely.

How does Mycostatin work?

Mycostatin comes in a variety of forms, including tablets, topical creams, and oral suspension. Mycostatin suspension is a liquid medication that is taken orally. When taken orally, the drug is absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed throughout the body. The drug acts by binding to the membrane of the fungal cell, causing it to leak and eventually leading to the death of the fungal cell.

Mycostatin Use

Mycostatin is used to treat various types of fungal infections, including thrush in the mouth, diaper rash, and vaginal yeast infections. It is also used to prevent fungal infections in people with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or people with HIV/AIDS.

Dosage of Mycostatin

The dosage of Mycostatin suspension depends on the type of fungal infection being treated, the patient's age, and their general health. The recommended dose of Mycostatin suspension for adults is 4-6 ml (400,000-600,000 units) four times a day. For children, the recommended dose depends on their weight and should be determined by a medical professional. The suspension should be taken with food to enhance its absorption.

Interaction of Mycostatin with other drugs

Mycostatin may interact with other drugs, including some antibiotics and antifungal drugs. When co-administered with other drugs, it may increase the concentration of these drugs in the body, leading to possible side effects. It may also interact with some drugs used to treat high cholesterol, causing their concentrations to increase in the body.

Before starting treatment, you should tell your health care professional about all the medications you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, supplements, and herbal remedies.

Contraindications of Mycostatin

Mycostatin is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to nystatin or any of its ingredients. The drug is also contraindicated in patients with liver or kidney disease, as these conditions may affect the metabolism and excretion of the drug.

It should be used with caution in patients with a history of allergic reactions and in pregnant and lactating women. If you fall into one of these categories, you should discuss the risks and benefits of this medicine with your doctor.

Conclusion

So, Mycostatin suspension is an effective antifungal medication used to treat various types of fungal infections, including oral thrush, diaper rash and vaginal yeast infections. Its active ingredient, nystatin, acts by binding to the membrane of the fungal cell, causing it to leak and eventually causing the fungal cell to die. Mycostatin comes in a variety of forms, including tablets, topical creams, and oral suspensions. The dosage depends on the type of fungal infection, the patient's age, and his or her general health.

However, before you start treatment, you should inform your specialist about all the medications you take, because the interaction with other drugs, can lead to side effects. Mycostatin is also contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to nystatin or any of its ingredients, as well as in patients with liver or kidney disease. If you fall into one of these categories, it is extremely important to discuss the risks and benefits of treating with this medication with your family doctor.