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.
