Medication Information for: Nystatin suspension (Nilstat and generics)

Why? Nystatin treats a yeast infection (thrush) located in the baby's mouth. Thrush looks like white, milky or cheesy patches on the tongue or cheeks. It cannot be washed away like milk can. The patches can be rubbed off, leaving a red, raw area. Thrush can hurt and make the baby not want to eat. Thrush is caused by a fungus called Candida albicans. This fungus is everywhere on people's skin. Sometimes babies get it after being on antibiotics.

How? Give nystatin as ordered. Nystatin is usually given four times a day. Once thrush is gone, give the medication for another two days. If you miss a dose, do not try to make up for it by giving the baby more. Shake the bottle before measuring the dose. Measure 1 ml of nystatin and coat the sides of the mouth and tongue with medicine. Try not to feed the baby for 30 minutes after giving the medicine.

Your baby's dose is:
__________ml,___________times a day at __________o'clock, ____________o'clock, _________o'clock and _____________o'clock.

Nystatin should be stored in the refrigerator.

Any problems? Nystatin has few side effects. Call the doctor if the baby won't eat. Call you doctor if the thrush isn't gone in 10 days. If the baby gets a diaper rash during this time, he or she may need treatment with nystatin cream or powder. Call the doctor for a prescription for these. If you are breastfeeding, you may need treatment to help get rid of the infection. Keep everything that goes in the baby's mouth especially clean if thrush is a problem.

ALWAYS KEEP MEDICATIONS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.

Check your supply before vacations, holidays and other times when you may not be able to obtain more.

Kelly Burch, PharmD
November, 1999
Reviewed and revised August 2004
(provided by St. John's Mercy Medical Center)