Final answer:
Nystatin is an antifungal antibiotic used topically for treating infections like oral thrush, caused by Candida species. The 'swish and swallow' method allows for treatment of mouth and esophageal infections. It's preferred for localized infections due to fewer side effects compared to systemic antifungals like amphotericin B.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nystatin is an antifungal medication that functions as an antibiotic, particularly against fungal infections. It belongs to a class of drugs known as polyenes, which act by binding to ergosterol, an essential component of fungal cell membranes, thus creating pores that disrupt the fungus's cell integrity. Nystatin swish and swallow is a method of administering this medication orally, where the patient swishes the liquid around the mouth to target oral fungal infections, such as oral thrush, before swallowing it to treat infections of the throat or esophagus.
Nystatin is typically used as a topical treatment for yeast infections of the skin, mouth, and vagina. It is particularly effective in treating candidiasis, which is an infection caused by Candida species. These species often affect individuals with compromised immune systems, such as patients with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or those who have undergone antibiotic therapy which may have disrupted their normal microbial flora.
For systemic fungal infections, such as aspergillosis and cryptococcal meningitis, other antifungals like amphotericin B may be prescribed, although it is known to have serious side effects like nephrotoxicity. As such, nystatin is often the preferred choice for non-systemic, localized fungal infections due to its efficacy and fewer side effects when used topically or orally without systemic absorption.