Polygynax vaginal capsules – nystatin, neomycin and polymyxin B for vaginal infections

Polygynax vaginal capsules are a combined local anti-infective medicine containing nystatin, neomycin sulfate and polymyxin B sulfate. The two antibiotics act on certain susceptible bacteria, while nystatin is an antifungal that acts on fungi of the genus Candida.

The medicine is used only in adult women for the local treatment of vaginal infections caused by microorganisms sensitive to its active substances. Polygynax is a prescription-only medicine and is used after an examination and recommendation by a gynaecologist.

Polygynax – indications, use and precautions

What is Polygynax used for?

According to the current summary of product characteristics, Polygynax is used for the local treatment of:

• bacterial vaginitis;
• vulvovaginitis caused by Candida albicans or other Candida species;
• mixed vaginitis, when both bacterial and fungal pathogens are present;
• bacterial vaginosis.

When prescribing and using it, official recommendations on the rational use of antibiotics should be followed. Polygynax is not intended for preventive use without a confirmed need, nor for routine use with every feeling of vaginal discomfort.

How do the active substances work?

• Nystatin 100,000 IU is a local antifungal that acts on susceptible fungi of the genus Candida.
• Neomycin sulfate 35,000 IU is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that acts on certain bacterial pathogens.
• Polymyxin B sulfate 35,000 IU is a polypeptide antibiotic, particularly active against certain Gram-negative bacteria.

The combination allows local action in certain bacterial, fungal and mixed vaginal infections. The choice of treatment still depends on the pathogen and the clinical findings.

How is Polygynax used?

Insert one capsule deep into the vagina in the evening before going to bed. Use while lying on your back with legs bent and slightly apart is recommended.

Wash your hands before and after use. The capsule is for vaginal use only and must not be swallowed.

Practical advice during treatment

• Use your own towel to reduce the risk of contamination.
• Wear cotton underwear and avoid tight, non-breathable clothing.
• Do not use vaginal douching.
• Avoid tampons during treatment.
• Do not interrupt treatment during menstruation.
• Do not extend treatment beyond the period set by your doctor.
• Depending on the cause of the infection, the doctor will assess whether the partner also needs treatment.

If you forget a capsule, do not use two capsules to make up for the missed dose. Continue treatment according to the prescribed schedule.

Polygynax and condoms, diaphragms and spermicides

Combination with local spermicides is not recommended, because local vaginal treatment may reduce their contraceptive effectiveness.

When must Polygynax not be used?

• in case of allergy to nystatin, neomycin, polymyxin B or any of the other ingredients;
• in case of allergy to other aminoglycoside antibiotics, polypeptide antibiotics or polyene antifungals;
• in case of allergy to peanuts or soya, because the capsules contain hydrogenated soya oil;
• with male polyurethane condoms, female condoms or a diaphragm;
• in children and adolescent girls (the medicine is for adults only).

Using the medicine without a medical examination when the cause of the symptoms is unknown is also not advisable.

When is particular caution needed?

Before starting treatment, tell your doctor if you have reduced kidney function. Neomycin and polymyxin B may be absorbed to some extent through the vaginal mucosa, so the risk of systemic side effects cannot be completely excluded.

Particular caution is needed if you have previously had an allergic reaction to a local antibiotic. Sensitisation after local use may make later use of the same or a similar antibiotic as tablets, injections or other medicines more difficult.

Treatment should be stopped and a doctor consulted if local burning, itching, swelling or redness worsen after use.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Use of Polygynax is not recommended during pregnancy unless the doctor considers treatment necessary. Neomycin belongs to the aminoglycoside antibiotics, which carry a potential risk of harmful effects on hearing, given the possibility of systemic absorption.

Use is not recommended during breastfeeding either, unless the doctor decides otherwise after weighing benefits and risks.

If you find out during treatment that you are pregnant, contact your doctor before continuing.

Possible side effects

The frequency of reported side effects is not known. The following may occur:

• rash;
• itching;
• hives;
• local burning or stinging sensation;
• irritation;
• redness;
• swelling of the vaginal mucosa or external intimate area;
• a serious allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis.

Risk with excessive or prolonged use

Excessive or long-term use may lead to systemic effects on the kidneys and hearing, especially in people with impaired kidney function. Prolonged local use also increases the risk of allergic eczema, development of resistant microorganisms and superinfection.

Therefore treatment should not be repeated or extended without new medical advice, even when the symptoms seem the same as before.

When is a gynaecological examination needed?

An examination is particularly important if you have:

• an unpleasant or very strong odour of the discharge;
• green, yellow, bloody or frothy discharge;
• lower abdominal pain or pain during intercourse;
• fever or chills;
• burning when urinating;
• sores, blisters or changes in the external intimate area;
• symptoms after unprotected intercourse with a new partner;
• frequently recurring infections;
• no improvement despite the prescribed treatment.

Composition, packs and manufacturer

• Active substances per capsule: nystatin 100,000 IU, neomycin sulfate 35,000 IU and polymyxin B sulfate 35,000 IU.
• Other ingredients: Tefose 63, hydrogenated soya oil, dimeticone 1000, gelatin and glycerol.
• Pharmaceutical form: soft vaginal capsule.
• Appearance: smooth, oval, pale yellow to yellow capsule.
• Packs: 6 or 12 vaginal capsules.
• Marketing authorisation holder: Representative office of Laboratoire Innotech International, Belgrade.
• Manufacturer: Innothera Chouzy, France.
• ATC code: G01AA51.
• Supply status in Serbia: prescription-only.

Storage

Keep out of the sight and reach of children, below 25 °C. Do not use after the expiry date stated on the carton and blister.

Take unused capsules to a pharmacy that collects pharmaceutical waste. Do not throw them into the drain or household waste.

Related category

See the category: Products for bacterial infections and vaginal flora support.

Related information

For additional care and support with vaginal infections and intimate hygiene, see also the Intimate Care – products for hygiene, comfort and intimate balance category – products in this category do not replace the medicine you have been prescribed.

Source: Patient leaflet, summary of product characteristics and packaging text approved by the Medicines and Medical Devices Agency of Serbia – ALIMS. Official patient leaflet for Polygynax; Summary of product characteristics. Leaflet last approved: January 2024. Sources checked on: 23 October 2026.

The information on this page does not replace a gynaecological examination, microbiological diagnostics, a pharmacist’s advice or the original patient leaflet.