When taking nystatin in oral troche form for oral candidiasis, what is the correct patient instruction?

The correct instruction for taking nystatin in oral troche form is to allow the troche to dissolve slowly in the mouth. This method ensures that the medication has prolonged contact with the mucous membranes in the oral cavity, which is crucial for effectively treating oral candidiasis. By letting the troche dissolve slowly, the active ingredient—nystatin—can better target the fungal cells causing the infection, allowing for optimal therapeutic action.

Other methods of taking the troche, such as swallowing it whole, would bypass the necessary absorption in the oral cavity, significantly reducing effectiveness for the localized treatment of oral candidiasis. Chewing the troche could also diminish its efficacy, as it may not allow the medication to dissolve evenly or release its antifungal properties properly. Taking it immediately before meals is not optimal, as the presence of food could interfere with the action of the medication in the mouth and on the mucous membranes. By following the correct instruction of allowing the troche to dissolve, patients achieve the best results in managing their oral candidiasis.