Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: MYCOSTATIN versus NATACYN.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: MYCOSTATIN versus NATACYN.
MYCOSTATIN vs NATACYN
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Mycostatin (nystatin) is a polyene antifungal antibiotic that binds to ergosterol in the fungal cell membrane, forming pores that increase membrane permeability, leading to leakage of intracellular contents and cell death.
Natamycin is a polyene antifungal that binds to ergosterol in fungal cell membranes, increasing permeability and causing cell death.
Nystatin suspension: 400,000-600,000 units (4-6 mL) orally four times daily for 7-14 days. Nystatin pastilles: 200,000-400,000 units (1-2 pastilles) orally four to five times daily for 7-14 days.
One drop of 5% ophthalmic suspension into the conjunctival sac every 1-2 hours for 48 hours, then taper to one drop 4-6 times daily.
None Documented
None Documented
Not applicable (nystatin is not absorbed systemically; no meaningful plasma half-life exists). For reference, if absorbed, the terminal half-life would be approximately 4-6 hours, but this is not clinically relevant.
Not well characterized due to minimal systemic absorption; estimated to be 2-3 hours in plasma if absorbed.
Nystatin is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, skin, or mucous membranes. After oral administration, virtually all of the drug is excreted unchanged in feces. Renal excretion is negligible (<0.1%).
Primarily fecal via biliary elimination; less than 5% renal excretion of absorbed dose.
Category C
Category C
Antifungal
Antifungal, Ophthalmic