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Compare Diflucan vs. Nystop

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Fluconazole (Diflucan) and nystatin (Nystop, Nyamyc, Klayesta) are both antifungal medications, but they have some key differences. Fluconazole is an azole antifungal that can be taken orally or by injection to treat various *Candida* infections, including vaginal yeast infections, oral thrush, and even serious infections like cryptococcal meningitis. It is usually taken once daily and is available as a lower-cost generic. On the other hand, nystatin is used topically to treat fungal skin infections, such as diaper rash, and comes in forms like cream, ointment, and powder. Nystatin is applied multiple times a day and is also available as a lower-cost generic. While fluconazole can cause side effects like headache and nausea and has a rare risk of liver problems, nystatin is generally well-tolerated but can cause local irritation like burning and itching. Additionally, fluconazole is not recommended during pregnancy due to potential risks, whereas the safety of nystatin during pregnancy or breastfeeding is not clearly established.

  • Fluconazole (Diflucan)
    Nystatin topical
  • Fluconazole (Diflucan)
    Nystatin topical

  • Summary of Diflucan vs. Nystop

    Summary for Antifungal
    Prescription only

    Fluconazole (Diflucan) is an azole antifungal. It's used to treat different types of Candida infections, such as vaginal yeast infections and oral thrush. It can also treat a serious brain infection called cryptococcal meningitis. Oral fluconazole (Diflucan) is available as a tablet and suspension. It's taken by mouth as a one-time dose for vaginal yeast infections; it's typically taken once daily for other types of infections. Fluconazole (Diflucan) is generally well-tolerated, but some people can experience side effects like headache, nausea, and stomach pain. Fluconazole (Diflucan) can raise the risk of liver problems, so you're recommend to avoiding drinking alcohol while taking this medication.

    Summary for Antifungal
    Prescription only

    Nystatin topical is a medication that's used on the skin to treat certain fungal skin infections (most commonly yeast infections). It's safe to use in people of all ages, including babies for diaper rash. Nystatin topical comes in different formulations: cream, ointment, and powder. It's available by prescription only and can't be purchased over the counter. Rarely, some people experience itching and burning where they applied the medication. But most people experience few to no side effects while using nystatin topical as directed.

  • Indications of Diflucan vs. Nystop

    Indications for
    •Treatment of infections caused by Candida:
    •Vaginal yeast infections
    •Mouth, throat, or esophagus infections, including oral thrush
    •Bloodstream infections
    •Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
    •Peritonitis (infection of the lining of the stomach)
    •Pneumonia
    •Prevention of Candida fungal infections for people having a bone marrow transplant
    •Cryptococcus meningitis
    Indications for
    •Treatment of fungal skin infections (yeast infection)

  • Pros and Cons of Diflucan vs. Nystop

    Pros and Const for Antifungal
    Pros
    •Taken once daily for most infections
    •Considered acceptable to take while breastfeeding
    •Oral liquid comes flavored for better taste
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Interacts with many medications
    •Not recommended during pregnancy due to the potential risk of harm to babies
    •Rare risk of liver problems
    Pros and Const for Antifungal
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Many formulations to choose from, such as ointment, cream, and powder
    •Generally well-tolerated
    •Safe to use for newborns
    Cons
    •Applied onto skin multiple times a day
    •Only treats some fungal skin infections, not bacterial or viral infections
    •Might not work as well as antifungal medications that are taken by mouth
    •Not clear whether it's safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding

  • Common Side Effects of Diflucan vs. Nystop

    Common Side Effects for

    Single dose for vaginal yeast infection:

    •Headache (13%)
    •Nausea (7%)
    •Stomach pain (6%)
    •Diarrhea (3%)

    Multiple doses for other infections:

    •Nausea (4%)
    •Headache (2%)
    •Skin rash (2%)
    •Vomiting (2%)
    •Stomach pain (2%)
    •Diarrhea (2%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Burning
    •Itching
    •Rash
    •Eczema (dry, bumpy skin)
    •Pain when applying the medication onto the skin

  • Warnings of Diflucan vs. Nystop

    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver damage
    •Allergic reaction
    •Severe skin reaction
    •Harm to unborn babies
    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reaction
    •Use only on your skin

  • Prices with our coupons for Diflucan vs. Nystop

    Learn more about Fluconazole
    Learn more about Nystatin topical

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