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Nystatin topical cream side effects: A detailed guide

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More common side effectsMild side effectsSerious side effectsFAQSide effects in detailWarningsAsk your doctor
Nystatin topical cream is prescribed for fungal skin infections. It’s an antifungal drug that may cause mild or serious side effects. These include allergic reactions and itchy skin.
Medically reviewed by Christina Bookwalter PharmD, MS MEd, BCPS, BCACP
Updated on

This article describes possible side effects of nystatin topical cream. You can explore this overview article to learn more about nystatin, including the drug’s uses, side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.

Nystatin topical cream is a generic medication. It isn’t available in a brand-name version. Nystatin also comes in other topical forms and forms that you’ll swallow, but these forms aren’t described in this article. To learn more about these forms, talk with your doctor.

More common side effects of nystatin

Nystatin topical cream may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.

Commonly reported side effects of nystatin topical cream include:

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of nystatin in detail” section below.

Mild side effects of nystatin

Nystatin may cause certain mild side effects. Usually, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.

Mild side effects of nystatin topical cream that occurred in studies include:

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of nystatin in detail” section below.

Nystatin topical cream may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information.

Serious side effects of nystatin

Nystatin may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from nystatin topical cream, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with nystatin.

Serious side effects of nystatin topical cream that occurred in studies include severe allergic reaction. This side effect is rare. To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of nystatin in detail” section below.

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Common questions about side effects of nystatin

Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of nystatin topical cream. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

How long do side effects of nystatin usually last?

Not long, in most cases. When nystatin topical cream does cause side effects, they typically go away on their own within a few hours or days. Long-term side effects weren’t reported in the drug’s studies.

If you develop severe or bothersome side effects while using nystatin topical cream, contact your doctor or pharmacist. They can review your symptoms and determine the best way to treat them. This may include stopping treatment with nystatin topical cream. Should this occur, your doctor can also review other treatments for your infection besides nystatin.

Does nystatin cause long-term side effects?

No, long-term side effects aren’t expected with nystatin topical cream. In studies, specific side effects weren’t seen in people who had taken the drug for a long time. Long lasting side effects after treatment ended also weren’t reported.

Talk with your doctor if you have more questions about possible long-term side effects with nystatin.

Side effects of nystatin in detail

Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of nystatin topical cream.

Eczema

In studies, eczema was rare in people using nystatin topical cream.* This side effect is usually mild.

With eczema, you experience skin irritation that can create a rough, itchy patch on your skin. Other symptoms can include cracking skin and tight or stiff skin, as well as dry, flaky, or scaly skin.

* Eczema was “common” compared to other side effects nystatin may cause. But in studies, the majority of people using nystatin cream did not report any side effects, including eczema.

Ways to manage

Eczema caused by nystatin topical cream should go away on its own after a few hours or days.

If you experience symptoms of eczema that don’t go away or bother you, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They can suggest a treatment for your symptoms. An example is using petroleum jelly on the irritated skin, but it’s important to check with your doctor or pharmacist first. They can make sure the product you’re using is safe to apply to the same areas as nystatin topical cream. Your doctor or pharmacist can also determine whether you should continue using nystatin topical cream.

Skin burning or stinging

In studies, skin burning or stinging was rare in people using nystatin topical cream.* This side effect is usually mild.

With skin burning or stinging, you experience these symptoms on the skin after applying nystatin topical cream.

* Skin burning or stinging was “common” compared to other side effects nystatin may cause. But in studies, the majority of people using nystatin cream did not report any side effects, including skin burning or stinging.

Ways to manage

In most cases, skin burning or stinging goes away on its own within a few minutes or hours.

If you experience skin burning or stinging after applying nystatin and it doesn’t go away, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They can suggest a treatment for your symptoms. Your doctor or pharmacist can also determine whether you should continue using nystatin topical cream.

Allergic reaction

For some people, nystatin topical cream can cause an allergic reaction.

Symptoms can be mild or serious, and they may include:

  • itchiness
  • skin rash
  • swelling under the skin, usually affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
  • flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to nystatin topical cream, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.

Warnings for nystatin

Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before using nystatin topical cream.

Warnings

It may not be safe for you to use nystatin topical cream if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether nystatin topical cream is a safe treatment option for you.

Before using nystatin topical cream, tell your doctor about your health. Things to consider include a past allergic reaction to nystatin.

Nystatin and pregnancy

It’s not known whether nystatin topical cream should be used during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before using this medication.

Nystatin and breastfeeding

It’s not known whether nystatin topical cream should be used while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before using this medication.

Nystatin and alcohol

Nystatin topical cream is not known to interact with alcohol.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it during your treatment with nystatin topical cream.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes common and serious side effects of nystatin topical cream. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about treatment with this medication.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

  • Are side effects of nystatin similar to other topical antifungals, such as clotrimazole?
  • If I develop side effects on my skin while using nystatin topical cream, should I try applying less of the drug to my infection?
  • Does my risk for side effects from nystatin decrease as I continue using it?

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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