Hi folks,

Here's some information on nystatin powder.  The information is from my book,
"A Woman's Guide to Yeast Infections."

        Nystatin can be taken orally in either tablet or liquid form.  You can take
ready-made prescription tablets (Nystex or Nilstat) can make your own
capsules using pure prescription nystatin powder.  Similarly, ready-made
prescription liquids are available or you can mix pure nystatin prescription
powder in water or juice.  It may be helpful to swish the liquid around in
your mouth to knock out a few Candida organisms in the mouth and throat.
        Nystatin is commonly sold under the brand name Mycostatin, but it is also
available under other brand names and as a generic.  It is used in liquid
form to treat yeast growth in the mouth (oral thrush); as oral tablets,
powder, and pastilles for  yeast infection of the intestinal tract; as
ointments, powders, creams and aerosols for infections of the skin and nails
(including diaper rash).  As a cream, ointment, and suppository, it is very
effective against vaginal candidiasis.
      Additionally, as a generic drug, it is available in pure powder form.
 The powder is less expensive and slightly more effective than the prepared
forms, but may be harder to find.  The powder can be taken orally or enclosed
in gelatin capsules and used as suppositories.  Note: the powder form should
be refrigerated; all other forms are stable at room temperature.
        If you want to use the powder, be sure to get pure nystatin powder -- not
topical powder which consists mostly of talc.  If it is not available in a
local pharmacy, one source is Freeda Pharmacy, 36 East 41st Street, NY, NY
10017, 800-777-3737.  You must have a prescription to get it.  Either have
your physician call it in on their toll-free number or mail or fax the
prescription to them.  They will mail the nystatin to you.
        Some tips on the powder: usual adult dosage is 1/4th to 1/2 teaspoon (1/8th
teaspoon is 500,000 IUs) taken with the same frequency as the tablets (see
below).  It has a distinctly foul taste and is most palatable when mixed with
either grapefruit or grape juice.  Nystatin should be taken with meals.
        While it technically has no side effects, you may experience nausea,
especially in the first two weeks.  This reaction is called a Herxheimer
Reaction, which some physicians feel is caused by yeast "die-off" -- dead
yeast toxins suddenly being released into the body.  It is seen not as a side
effect (something that happens in addition to the action of the drug), but as
proof that the drug is working.  If you feel nauseous, cut your intake by
half for a few days, then gradually work back up to full dosage.

Hope this is helpful!

- Dia