Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: MYCOSTATIN versus SELSUN.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: MYCOSTATIN versus SELSUN.
MYCOSTATIN vs SELSUN
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.
Selenium sulfide is an antifungal agent that inhibits the growth of Malassezia species by reducing selenium to elemental selenium, which is toxic to the fungus. It also reduces sebum production via unknown mechanisms.
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.
Apply 5-10 mL of 2.5% selenium sulfide lotion to affected areas of scalp, lather with water, leave on for 2-3 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Use twice weekly for 2 weeks, then once weekly for maintenance.
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 defined due to minimal systemic absorption; topical application yields negligible plasma levels.
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%).
Selenium sulfide is minimally absorbed; absorbed portions are excreted renally (approx. 80-90%) and fecally (10-20%).
Category C
Category C
Antifungal
Antifungal/Antiseborrheic