The Basics
What is Nystatin?
Used to treat fungal infections of the mouth.
Brand names for Nystatin
Mycostatin
How Nystatin is classified
Antifungal Agents
Nystatin During Pregnancy
Nystatin pregnancy category
Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Nystatin while pregnant
Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with any nystatin topical preparation. It also is not known whether these preparations can cause fetal harm when used by a pregnant woman or can affect reproductive capacity. Nystatin topical preparations should be prescribed for a pregnant woman only if the potential benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risk to the fetus.
Taking Nystatin While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Nystatin?
Although no information exists on the milk excretion of nystatin, it is virtually unabsorbed orally, therefore most reviewers and clinicians consider it acceptable for use in nursing mothers, including topical application to the nipples.[1][2][3] Only water-miscible cream or gel products should be applied to the breast because ointments may expose the infant to high levels of mineral paraffins via licking.[4] Any excess cream should be removed from the nipples before nursing. Nystatin is less effective than other topical agents for the treatment of thrush.[5][6]
Maternal / infant drug levels
Although no information exists on the milk excretion of nystatin, it is virtually unabsorbed orally, therefore most reviewers and clinicians consider it acceptable for use in nursing mothers, including topical application to the nipples.[1][2][3] Only water-miscible cream or gel products should be applied to the breast because ointments may expose the infant to high levels of mineral paraffins via licking.[4] Any excess cream should be removed from the nipples before nursing. Nystatin is less effective than other topical agents for the treatment of thrush.[5][6]
Possible effects of Nystatin on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Nystatin
(Systemic) Amphotericin B, Fluconazole; (Topical) Clotrimazole, Miconazole.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Mactal-Haaf C, Hoffman M, Kuchta A. Use of anti-infective agents during lactation, Part 3: Antivirals, antifungals, and urinary antiseptics. J Hum Lact. 2001;17:160-6. PMID: 11847833
2. Ilett KF, Kristensen JH. Drug use and breastfeeding. Expert Opin Drug Saf. 2005;4:745-68. PMID: 16011452
3. Brent NB. Thrush in the breastfeeding dyad: results of a survey on diagnosis and treatment. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2001;40:503-6. PMID: 11583049
4. Noti A, Grob K, Biedermann M et al. Exposure of babies to C(15)-C(45) mineral paraffins from human milk and breast salves. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2003;38:317-25. PMID: 14623482
5. Huggins KE, Billon SF. Twenty cases of persistent sore nipples: collaboration between lactation consultant and dermatologist. J Hum Lact. 1993;9:155-60. PMID: 8260031
6. Hoppe JE, Hahn H. Randomized comparison of two nystatin oral gels with miconazole oral gel for treatment of oral thrush in infants. Antimycotics Study Group. Infection. 1996;24:136-9. PMID: 8740106
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
