Which antifungal medication is used for oral candidiasis?

Nystatin is an antifungal medication specifically designed for the treatment of oral candidiasis, which is a fungal infection in the mouth caused by Candida species. One of its key advantages is that it is formulated to be used topically in the mouth and throat, making it effective for directly targeting the infection in the oral mucosa. Nystatin works by binding to ergosterol, a vital component of fungal cell membranes, leading to cell membrane disruption and ultimately the death of the Candida organisms.

While other antifungal medications mentioned can be effective against candidiasis, Nystatin’s form and usage as an oral rinse or lozenge make it particularly suitable for localized infections in the oral cavity. Medications like Fluconazole and Miconazole are also effective in treating systemic or esophageal candidiasis, and they may be used when the infection is more severe or when the patient cannot tolerate topical treatments. Caspofungin, meanwhile, is typically reserved for more serious systemic fungal infections, predominantly in immunocompromised patients, and is not used for oral candidiasis.