Nystatin
Also known as: Canaural · Nystan · Nystatinum
Reviewed by the VetSheet Veterinary TeamUpdated Apr 5, 2026Evidence-based veterinary reference
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Dosing by species
🌎 NA — North America🌍 EU — Europe
Dogs
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Topical antifungal therapy | apply to affected areas | topical | q8-12h | Until clinical resolution | 🌍 EU |
- Topical antifungal therapy: Often used for otitis externa or localized cutaneous candidiasis/malassezia.
Cats
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Topical antifungal therapy | apply to affected areas | topical | q8-12h | Until clinical resolution | 🌍 EU |
- Topical antifungal therapy: Often used for otitis externa or localized cutaneous candidiasis/malassezia.
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Overview
Nystatin is a broad-spectrum polyene antifungal agent, particularly noted for its efficacy against Candida species (especially C. albicans). It is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, making it suitable for local/topical or gastrointestinal fungal infections.
Clinical Pearl: Because it is not absorbed systemically, oral formulations are only effective for GI candidiasis, while topical formulations are used for cutaneous or otic yeast infections (such as Malassezia otitis).
Mechanism of action
Nystatin binds to ergosterol, a major component of the fungal cell membrane. This binding → forms pores in the membrane → leads to potassium leakage → results in the death of the fungus.
Safety & warnings
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to nystatin
Adverse effects
- Generally well tolerated due to lack of systemic absorption
- Rarely GI upset if given orally (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
- Mild irritation or hypersensitivity at the site of topical application (rare)
Precautions
Normal precautions should be observed. Not effective for systemic fungal infections as it is not absorbed from the GI tract.
Monitoring
- Resolution of clinical signs of fungal/yeast infection
- Skin/ear cytology to confirm clearance of Malassezia or Candida
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, skin, or mucous membranes.
Distribution
Acts locally in the GI tract or on the skin/mucous membranes where applied.
Metabolism
Not systemically metabolized.
Elimination
Excreted unchanged in the feces after oral administration.
Overdose
Overdose is highly unlikely to cause systemic toxicity due to the lack of gastrointestinal absorption. Massive oral overdose may cause mild gastrointestinal distress (vomiting, diarrhea).
Available products
Formulations
- Oral suspension: 100,000 IU/ml
- Topical: various products (often in combination with glucocorticoids and antibiotics, e.g., Canaural)
Veterinary
- Canaural (combination product with diethanolamine fusidate, framycetin, and prednisolone)
Human-labeled
- Nystan oral suspension 100,000 IU/ml
- Nystatin oral suspension 100,000 IU/ml
Regulatory status
POM-V, POM
POM-V, POM
No regulatory data for: 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep oral suspensions tightly closed.
Client information
Nystatin is an antifungal medication used to treat yeast infections on the skin, in the ears, or in the digestive tract.
- Administration: Apply exactly as directed by your veterinarian. If using ear drops, clean the ear first if instructed to do so.
- Safety: It is very safe because it is not absorbed into the bloodstream.
- Side Effects: Rarely, oral liquid might cause mild stomach upset. Topical use might cause mild redness if the skin is very sensitive.
VetSheet drug reference is intended for licensed veterinary professionals as a clinical decision-support aid, not a substitute for professional judgement or the manufacturer’s current label.