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Diflucan vs Nystatin

By: Author Health Guide's Editorial

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Compare Diflucan vs Nystatin:

Introduction

Candidiasis is a yeast infection caused by Candida, a fungus that normally causes no harm, and is found on the vaginal area, skin, and digestive system.

When at proper levels in the body, Candida helps with digestion and nutrient absorption.

But, when it overproduces, candida can affect numerous parts of the human body, causing, depending on the affected individual’s general health, localized infections or larger illnesses.

Types

Types of Candida infections include:

Vaginal Yeast Infection

Vaginal yeast infection, also known as Candidal vaginitis, yeast vaginitis, or Candidal vulvovaginitis, is very common, affecting around 75 percent of women at some point during their life.

Symptoms of a Candidal vulvovaginitis include:

  • rash;
  • burning, itching, or irritation of the vulva (the tissue surrounding the vagina) or vagina;
  • a thick, white, odorless discharge that resembles cottage cheese;
  • vaginal burning with urination or intercourse;
  • soreness or pain in the vaginal opening or the vagina.

Oral Thrush

Oral thrush, also referred to as oral candidiasis, develops when a yeast infection occurs on the inside of the mouth and tongue.

Oral thrush may be triggered by numerous factors, including:

  • dentures;
  • illness;
  • smoking cigarettes;
  • medications;
  • pregnancy.

Invasive Candidiasis

If candida yeast enters the bloodstream, it can travel to the brain, heart, eyes, blood, and bones.

Diaper Rash

It is common in babies between 4 to 15 months old.

There are a few factors that may increase your baby’s risk of developing diaper rash that is caused by Candida.

These factors include:

  • wearing too-tight diapers which rub the skin;
  • not being kept clean;
  • having had a yeast infection in the mouth;
  • having diarrhea or frequent stools;
  • you are taking antibiotics while breastfeeding;
  • your baby is taking antibiotics.

Risk Factors

Several factors can cause the candida population to grow out of control, including:

  • smoking;
  • the use of antibiotics as they kill the good bacteria in the gut;
  • the use of corticosteroids for conditions such as asthma;
  • high-stress levels;
  • having HIV/AIDS;
  • the use of oral contraceptives;
  • having cancer;
  • the regular intake of alcoholic drinks;
  • having diabetes;
  • a diet rich in trans fats;
  • wearing dentures.

Treatment

Home Remedies

Garlic

A 2013 study concluded that oral garlic could be an effective remedy for yeast infections, due to its potent antifungal attributes.

Oregano Oil

It contains carvacrol, a compound that has been found to inhibit the growth of Candida yeast.

Boric Acid Powder

It is recommended by healthcare professionals when most antifungals fail to cure yeast infection.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil helps to kill species of yeast, according to a 2007 study done at the Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, Nigeria, and issued in the US National Library of Medicine.

Probiotics

They are live microorganisms that are beneficial for gut health.

Tea Tree Oil

It is a natural cure for candidiasis thanks to its strong antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Hygiene Tips & Lifestyle Changes

  • avoid chemicals such as vaginal douches and deodorant tampons;
  • if you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar level under control;
  • teach your child about personal hygiene, like – how to take a bath and brush their teeth;
  • throw away or sterilize underwear that you wore during your last infection;
  • promptly changing out of exercise clothing or wet bathing suits;
  • watch for candidiasis symptoms after the use of antibiotics;
  • don’t use soap around the vagina;
  • to prevent irritation and sweating, wear loose-fitting pants, underwear, or shorts;
  • use antibiotics only when needed;
  • wipe from front to back after going to the toilet;
  • keep your genital area clean and dry.

Medications

For candidiasis, the usually recommended medications are called antifungals. They are available as:

  • intravaginal antifungal pessaries;
  • intravenous antifungals;
  • oral antifungals;
  • topical antifungals.

Here Is A Comparison Between Two Antifungals Used For The Treatment Of Candidiasis:

Diflucan

Diflucan’s active ingredient is called fluconazole, an antifungal medicine that is part of the class of drugs called triazole antifungals.

Nystatin

It is part of a family of medications known as antifungals. It can be found under the following brand names:

  • Pedi-Dri;
  • Mycostatin;
  • Nystop;
  • Filmlok;
  • Nystat-Rx;
  • Nystatin Ointment;
  • Pastilles.

Uses

It is used for treating oral, vaginal, and esophageal fungal infections caused by Candida. Additionally, it is used to prevent fungal infection in individuals who have a weak immune system caused by AIDS, bone marrow transplant, or cancer treatment.

Nystatin is used for the treatment of yeast infections. It is especially deadly for Candida Albicans. Also, as it is not absorbed through the intestines, nystatin is not effective in treating candidiasis outside of the digestive tract. Moreover, the relief of symptoms only occurs 24 to 72 hours after starting the treatment.

Mechanism of Action

Diflucan works by preventing the production of the membranes which surround fungal cells.

Nystatin works by binding to ergosterol found on yeast cell walls.

Side Effects

The most common adverse events associated with Diflucan include:

  • dizziness;
  • headache;
  • toxic epidermal necrolysis (a type of severe skin reaction);
  • abdominal pain;
  • taste disturbance;
  • reduced number of blood platelets;
  • nausea;
  • rash;
  • reduced number of white blood cells;
  • reduced blood levels of potassium;
  • dyspepsia (a condition of impaired digestion);
  • seizures;
  • diarrhea.

The most common adverse events associated nystatin include:

  • nausea;
  • itching;
  • rash;
  • irritation;
  • stomach pain;
  • diarrhea;
  • burning.

Dosage

The usual adult dosage of Diflucan is 50 to 400 milligrams per day, depending on the type of infection.

Note – the treatment must be continued for 14 days.

The usual adult dosage of nystatin is 1 to 2 milliliters by mouth, 4 times per day. For severe infections, it is recommended to increase the dosage to 4 to 6 milliliters 4 times per day. Treatment for two weeks is typically adequate.

Warnings & Precautions

Diflucan

Do not use the medication if you are:

  • taking cisapride (a gastroprokinetic agent);
  • taking allergy drugs;
  • allergic to ingredients in the product;
  • trying to become pregnant.

Nystatin

  • use with care if you have an allergy to the medication;
  • do not give the medication to a child without your doctor’s advice.

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Drug Interactions

Diflucan may interact in a negative way with the following medications:

  • glibenclamide;
  • quinidine;
  • tolbutamide;
  • glipizide;
  • verapamil (a medication used for the treatment of high blood pressure);
  • zidovudine;
  • tacrolimus;
  • rifabutin;
  • cyclosporine;
  • rifampicin;
  • cyclophosphamide (a medication used in chemotherapy);
  • erythromycin;
  • warfarin;
  • voriconazole;
  • sirolimus;
  • hydrochlorothiazide;
  • phenytoin;
  • carbamazepine (a medication used primarily in the treatment of epilepsy);
  • theophylline;
  • midazolam;
  • nortriptyline;
  • fentanyl;
  • amitriptyline (sold under the brand name Elavil);
  • alfentanil;
  • losartan.

There are no known drug interactions regarding nystatin.

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Alcohol

Drinking alcohol while taking Diflucan or nystatin may worsen their side effects.

Is It Safe During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding?

While taking Diflucan, it may not be safe to breastfeed a baby. Also, the medication may harm an unborn baby.

It is not known whether nystatin can harm a nursing infant. Also, it is not known whether the medication will harm a developing fetus.

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Bottom Line – Diflucan vs Nystatin

According to a 1998 study done at the Faculty of Odontology, Sweden, the sufferers in the fluconazole group reported less inconvenience from taking the antifungal when compared with nystatin for the treatment of oral candidosis. Moreover, both are effective in treating recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis, according to a 2014 study published in Mycopathologia.

However, one of the possible advantages of nystatin over Diflucan is the fact that it is less easily absorbed through both the skin and intestinal tract, which leaves the patient with fewer possible side effects to cope with.

Sources

https://www.ema.europa.eu/documents/referral/diflucan-article-30-referral-annex-iii_en.pdf
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2014/651831/
https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD002033.pub2/epdf/full