If a client is taking nystatin oral lozenges, what is an important instruction?

For a client taking nystatin oral lozenges, the important instruction is to let the lozenge dissolve slowly and completely in the mouth. This method ensures that the medication has adequate contact with the affected mucosal surfaces within the mouth, which is critical for its antifungal action against infections such as oral candidiasis (thrush).

Nystatin works by binding to the fungal cell membranes and disrupting their integrity, so allowing the lozenge to dissolve completely maximizes its effectiveness, as it allows for sustained exposure to the medication in the oral cavity. Proper administration enhances the therapeutic impact and ensures better outcomes in treating the infection.

Other methods of ingesting the lozenge, such as chewing or swallowing whole, would reduce the duration of contact with the oral mucosa, thus diminishing its effectiveness. Crystallizing or mixing it with water also alters its ability to provide localized treatment effectively.