Nystatin is a useful medicine that can help to rid your pet of certain types of infections. While the majority of infections that will target certain parts of your dog's body are caused by bacteria growth, some of them are brought about by fungus. Nystatin is particularly useful at eliminating these fungus-inspired infections. It can be useful at treating infections of the ear and the skin as well, and infections caused by yeast or other types of fungus too. Read on for a brief overview of how Nystatin works and how to use it for your pet.
Nystatin Overview
Nystatin targets individual fungus cells by interfering with their cell membranes. By weakening the membrane of each cell, it prevents the fungus from being able to reproduce and spread. The result is that the fungus cells die off and the infection that is caused by that fungus is eliminated. Nystatin is registered and approved for use in both humans and animals to treat otitis externa (outer ear infections) as well as a number of other types of skin infections caused by fungus. The veterinary formulation of this medicine is known as Panalog. In order to provide this medicine to your dog, you'll need to first have a veterinarian's prescription.
Treating Your Dog with Nystatin
Nystatin is available for use in your pet in three different ways. The exact way that you use it will depend upon how your vet recommends that you do, which is based on the type and location of the infection. The most common way to provide Nystatin to your pet is as a topical ointment. However, it is also available as a liquid form and as a tablet.
Most vets will recommend that you rub the ointment form of the drug onto the infected area of your dog's skin about twice per day. In the case of an ear infection, you'll drop a few drops of the liquid form of the drug into your dog's ear twice per day for about a week. The exact dosage will depend upon the severity of the infection, as well as your dog's size and weight.
Side Effects and Risks of Nystatin
Nystatin is generally considered quite safe for use in dogs. However, it should be avoided in the case of eye infections and is not appropriate for treating an infection of a deep wound or abscess either. It's important that you tell your vet about all other medicines that your dog is taking before he begins a treatment involving Nystatin, as the medicine may not react well with other drugs in your pet's system.
The most common side effects of Nystatin include the following:
- Sensitivity at the site of administration
- Scratching or itching
- Damage to the adrenal glands (rare, and only with extensive use)
If you notice any unusual reactions, take your pet in to the vet immediately for an analysis. You may need to alter his dose or find another means of fixing his fungus problem.