nystatin

Nystatin is a polyene antifungal antibiotic derived from *Streptomyces noursei*. It is primarily used to treat and prevent superficial Candida infections of the skin, mucous membranes (including oral, esophageal, and vaginal candidiasis), and gastrointestinal tract. Nystatin acts by binding to ergosterol in fungal cell membranes, forming pores that increase membrane permeability and cause leakage of essential intracellular components, leading to fungal cell death. It is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract or through intact skin or mucous membranes when administered topically or orally; thus, it is ineffective for systemic fungal infections. Common side effects include local irritation (with topical use) and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea (with oral use). Nystatin was discovered in 1950 by Rachel Fuller Brown and Elizabeth Lee Hazen. It has been included on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines[1][2][4][5][6].

Brand names

MycostatinNystopNilstatBio-Statin

Other names

制霉素制霉菌素FungicidinNystatin dihydrate