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Nystatin Treatment for Candida: An Overview

By Tess Thompson

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In its benign form, Candida yeast is present in small quantities in all of us in the mouth, throat, digestive tract and vagina. Candida or Candidiasis is caused when Candida becomes too prevalent in the gut and changes into its fungal form. This fungus damages the intestinal walls and Candida spores spread throughout the body.

Nystatin, a poly-unsaturated compound, is an anti-fungal drug that is used for Candida treatments. Most molds and yeast are sensitive to Nystatin.

Most anti-fungal drugs and antibiotics have originated from bacteria and Nystatin is no exception. It was separated from aerobic bacteria known as Streptomyces, some of which are also used for making the antibiotic, streptomycin. When taken in prescribed dosages varying from 10000 units (for thrush and other oral infections) to one million ( for intestinal infections) it works by binding to ergosterol on the cell walls of the fungus causing leakage that ultimatley kills it.

A deficient immune system is one of the major risk factors for Candida. Nystatin is also used for prevention of Candida in individuals with a compromised immune system who are at a higher risk of developing fungal infections, especially AIDS patients with low glycoprotein (CD4) and those undergoing chemotherapy.

Ergosterol is typical to fungi and Nystatin is considered to be a safe yeast infection treament as it is not absorbed across healthy skin. Most of the infections like mucous, vaginal, skin and esophageal Candida infections are treatable with Nystatin.

Nystatin is sold under different brand names and in various formualtions ranging from oral tablets, to topical powder and ointments, as well as vaginal tablet and suppository forms. It is also sold as a combination with certain corticosteroids and antiprotozoal medications.

The general saying that all allopathic drugs have side effects is true for Nystatin as well. In the UK the use of the drug is restricted for treating symptoms of thrush in neonate children (less than one month old). Although it does not cross the barrier of intact skin or mucous membranes, it is still associated with toxicity when injected intravenously.

It is advisable that immediate attention is paid to Candida symptoms, with Candida treatments. Superficial infections in the skin, thrush and vaginal irritations and infections are moderate symptoms of Candida. If left untreated they can further weaken the immune system and affect the entire body, including the brain. A check on your diet can go a long way to prevent Candida. Avoid excessive intake of sugar as Candida feeds on it. Daily consumption of fresh and crushed garlic, washed down with plain water is an effective long term preventive measure. The crushing releases allicin in garlic, which has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.

Reference:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nystatin