Nystatin | Polyene Antifungal | CAS 1400-61-9

Product Name: Nystatin
CAS No.: 1400-61-9
Molecular Formula (Nystatin A1, main component): C₄₇H₇₅NO₁₇
Appearance: Yellow to light brown powder with a slight characteristic odor
Solubility: Practically insoluble in water, chloroform, and ether; very sparingly soluble in ethanol and methanol; soluble in dimethylformamide and DMSO
Stability: Sensitive to light, heat, moisture, and pH (degrades in acidic and alkaline environments)

1. Introduction

Nystatin is a polyene antifungal antibiotic. It is effective against Candida yeast-like fungi. It binds to ergosterol in the fungal cell membrane, disrupting its permeability. It is used topically and orally for the treatment of candidiasis of the skin, mucous membranes, and gastrointestinal tract.

Nystatin is one of the first polyene antifungal antibiotics, discovered in 1950. It is produced by the bacterium Streptomyces noursei. Due to its specific activity against Candida fungi and minimal systemic absorption with oral and topical use, nystatin remains an important agent for the treatment of superficial candidiasis.

2. Chemical Structure & Synthesis

Nystatin is a macrocyclic lactone (macrolide) containing tetraene and diene chromophore groups, as well as the amino sugar mycosamine. Commercial nystatin is a mixture of several components, predominantly nystatin A1.

Synthesis: Nystatin is obtained by fermentation of Streptomyces noursei culture, followed by extraction and purification.

3. Mechanism of Action

Nystatin selectively binds to ergosterol, the main sterol component of the fungal cell membrane. This leads to the formation of pores or channels in the membrane, disruption of its barrier function, leakage of ions (especially potassium) and other important intracellular components, ultimately causing fungal cell death. At low concentrations, it has a fungistatic effect; at high concentrations, a fungicidal effect. Nystatin acts significantly weaker on mammalian cells, whose membranes contain cholesterol instead of ergosterol.

4. Antimicrobial Spectrum

Primarily active against Candida yeast-like fungi (including C. albicans, C. tropicalis, C. glabrata), as well as some other yeasts and molds. Inactive against bacteria, viruses, and protozoa.

5. Pharmacokinetics

With topical use and oral administration, nystatin is practically not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and through intact skin and mucous membranes. It is excreted unchanged in the feces.

6. Applications

• Treatment of mucosal candidiasis:

  • Oral cavity (thrush, candidal stomatitis) – as a suspension or lozenges

  • Vagina (candidal vulvovaginitis) – as vaginal tablets or suppositories

  • Intestines (non-invasive gastrointestinal candidiasis) – as oral tablets

• Treatment of cutaneous candidiasis: Skin and skin folds

• Prophylaxis of candidiasis: In immunocompromised patients, during long-term antibiotic therapy or corticosteroid treatment

7. Conclusion

Nystatin is an effective and safe antifungal drug for the treatment and prevention of candidiasis of the skin and mucous membranes. Its low systemic absorption minimizes the risk of systemic side effects, making it the preferred choice for topical use and treatment of non-invasive gastrointestinal candidiasis.