• Directly targets thrush in mouth and throat
  • Fast relief from oral thrush symptoms
  • Easy-to-use oral suspension for complete mouth coverage

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Overview

Nystatin Oral Suspension is a liquid antifungal treatment that works directly inside the mouth to clear oral thrush.
It coats the affected areas, tackling the infection at its source and providing relief from soreness, white patches, and discomfort.


What is Nystatin


Oral thrush is caused by an overgrowth of the yeast Candida albicans in the mouth. This can lead to white patches, soreness, and a burning sensation.

Nystatin Oral Suspension contains the antifungal medicine nystatin, which binds to the yeast cells and stops them from growing. Because it is a liquid, it coats the inside of the mouth and throat, treating the infection locally.

It is often prescribed as a first-line treatment for oral thrush and is suitable for both adults and children. When used correctly, most people notice improvement within just a few days.

Directions

  • Take the medicine exactly as prescribed.
  • The liquid is usually swished around the mouth and then swallowed, four times daily.
  • Continue treatment for the full course, even if symptoms improve earlier.
  • Avoid eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes after using, to allow the medicine to work effectively.

Side Effects

Most people tolerate Nystatin well. Possible side effects include:

Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

  • Mild nausea or stomach upset
  • Temporary irritation in the mouth


Less common (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):

  • Diarrhoea
  • Vomiting


Rare but serious (seek urgent medical advice):

  • Severe allergic reaction (swelling, rash, difficulty breathing)


Disclaimer: This is not a complete list of side effects. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine for full details. If you notice anything unusual or concerning, stop treatment and seek medical advice promptly. In an emergency, call 999 or go to A&E.

Warnings

  • Do not use if allergic to nystatin or any other ingredients.
  • Tell your prescriber if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other medicines.
  • Not suitable for long-term use without medical supervision.
Frequently asked questions

  • What are nystatin oral drops and how do they work?

    Nystatin oral drops treat oral thrush by killing Candida yeast directly in the mouth. They stay locally on the mouth surfaces rather than being absorbed into the body, which makes them suitable for many people including infants. If thrush is more persistent, fluconazole tablets may sometimes be recommended.

  • How do I use nystatin oral drops correctly?

    You usually place the drops in your mouth four times a day, holding them around the affected areas before swallowing. Avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes afterwards so the medicine stays in contact with the mouth. If symptoms persist, clotrimazole may be used as an alternative in some cases.

  • How long do nystatin drops take to work for oral thrush?

    Most people start improving within a few days, but treatment usually continues for at least seven days to fully clear the infection. More stubborn thrush may require a longer course or a switch to fluconazole if symptoms don’t settle.

  • Are nystatin oral drops suitable for babies, children and adults?

    Yes. Nystatin is commonly prescribed for infants with oral thrush and is also suitable for older children and adults. Doses may differ by age, so always follow your clinician’s instructions. Adults with recurrent thrush may need fluconazole instead.

  • What side effects can nystatin oral drops cause?

    Side effects are usually mild and may include nausea, a temporary upset stomach or irritation in the mouth. Allergic reactions are rare but need urgent attention. If side effects persist, clotrimazole or fluconazole might be more suitable alternatives.

  • When should I see a doctor instead of using nystatin?

    Seek advice if symptoms worsen, fail to improve after a week, keep coming back, or if swallowing becomes painful. These may be signs you need fluconazole or further investigation into an underlying cause.

  • Can nystatin be used alongside other thrush treatments?

    Yes. Nystatin is sometimes combined with other treatments when symptoms are more severe or keep returning. A clinician may switch you to fluconazole if the infection doesn’t clear fully. Avoid using multiple treatments at once unless advised.

  • Do nystatin drops need to be held in the mouth before swallowing?

    Yes. Holding the drops in your mouth for as long as comfortable helps the medicine coat the infected areas. This improves effectiveness by keeping the antifungal in contact with the yeast. If symptoms don’t improve, fluconazole may be needed instead.

  • Can I use nystatin if I wear dentures?

    Yes, but dentures should be removed and cleaned thoroughly as Candida can collect on their surfaces. Soaking them overnight and cleaning the mouthpiece area helps treatment work better. If thrush persists despite good hygiene, fluconazole may be considered.

  • What should I do if my symptoms don’t improve with nystatin?

    If symptoms remain after a full course, you may need an alternative treatment such as fluconazole, which works throughout the body rather than just in the mouth. Persistent symptoms may also need a clinician review to check for triggers.

  • Can antibiotics cause thrush even if I am using nystatin?

    Yes. Antibiotics disrupt the natural balance of bacteria, which can still allow yeast to grow even while using nystatin. If this keeps happening, fluconazole may sometimes provide more reliable control.

  • Can nystatin affect how food or drinks taste?

    Some people notice a mild aftertaste or temporary change in how food tastes after using nystatin. This usually settles quickly. Keeping the medicine in contact with the mouth is still important for effectiveness.

  • How should I store nystatin oral drops?

    Nystatin drops should be stored upright at room temperature and kept tightly closed. Avoid freezing them and check the expiry date regularly. If your symptoms return after finishing the course, your clinician may recommend fluconazole.

  • Is nystatin safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

    Nystatin is generally considered low-risk in pregnancy and breastfeeding because very little is absorbed into the body. If symptoms are persistent or severe, a clinician can advise whether fluconazole is needed instead. Always check before starting treatment.

  • Can oral thrush come back after using nystatin?

    Yes. Thrush can return if the underlying trigger isn’t addressed. Common causes include antibiotics, inhalers, smoking and dry mouth.Nystatin can treat the infection, but fluconazole may be needed for recurrent episodes.

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