Health Centres - Nystan vaginal cream (nystatin)
How does it work?
Nystan vaginal cream contains the active ingredient nystatin, which is an antifungal medicine used to treat infections with fungi and yeasts. Nystan vaginal cream is used to treat vaginal thrush.
Vaginal thrush is the common term for infections of the vagina with Candida species of fungi, in particular Candida albicans. This infection causes inflammation and discharge from the vagina.
Nystatin kills the Candida fungi causing the infection by interfering with their cell membranes. It works by binding to a substance called ergosterol, which is an essential component of fungal cell membranes. This disrupts the cell membrane, causing holes to appear in it.
The cell membranes of fungi are vital for their survival. They keep unwanted substances from entering the cells and stop the contents of the cells from leaking out. As nystatin causes holes to appear in the cell membranes, essential constituents of the fungal cells can leak out. This kills the fungi and treats the infection.
Nystan vaginal cream is inserted high into the vagina to allow the nystatin to act directly in the area of infection. The cream should be inserted into the vagina at bedtime using the applicator provided, usually each night for at least 14 nights.
What is it used for?
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Inflammation of the vagina caused by infection with Candida albicans or other yeasts (also known as vaginal thrush).
Warning!
- Nystan vaginal cream is not to be taken by mouth. It is for vaginal use only.
- Nystan vaginal cream may damage latex (rubber) condoms and diaphragms (caps) and so make them ineffective at preventing pregnancy and STIs. You should use an alternative method of contraception while using this medicine, or preferably avoid having sex until after the infection has cleared up. Remember that having sex while you still have the infection is likely to transmit the infection to your partner, who could then transfer it back to you.
- If your sexual partner also has symptoms of thrush (in men these are soreness and redness of the penis, tightness of the foreskin or a white, odourless discharge from the penis), it is important that they are treated at the same time as you to prevent you being re-infected. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
- If your symptoms persist after you have finished the prescribed course you should consult your doctor.
Not to be used in
- Allergy to any ingredient.
This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.
If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
- This medicine is not absorbed into the bloodstream from the vagina and so can be used during pregnancy. However, you should take care when using the applicator to insert the cream if you are pregnant. Seek further medical advice from your doctor.
- This medicine is not absorbed into the bloodstream from the vagina and so can be safely used during breastfeeding.
Side effects
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
- Vaginal discomfort.
The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.
How can this medicine affect other medicines?
This medicine does not affect other medicines.
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