N Mycin

Indications

Natamycin eye drops (suspension) are used to treat fungal infections of the eye, mainly fungal keratitis (infection of the cornea, the clear front of the eye), as well as fungal infections of the eyelid edges (blepharitis) and the conjunctiva. It is particularly effective against Fusarium and Aspergillus fungi, common causes of eye infection after injury with plant material.

How It Works

Natamycin is a polyene antifungal. It binds to ergosterol, a key part of the fungal cell membrane, and stops the fungus from growing and multiplying.

Dosage and Administration

Use exactly as prescribed by your eye doctor. For fungal keratitis, drops are usually given very often at first, such as 1 drop every 1 to 2 hours, then reduced over several days; treatment usually continues for weeks. For eyelid and conjunctival infections, fewer drops a day are used. Shake the bottle well before each use, wash your hands, and do not touch the dropper tip to the eye.

Interactions

No important interactions are known. If you use other eye drops, leave at least 5 to 10 minutes between them. Steroid eye drops may make fungal infections worse, so use them only if your eye doctor says so.

Contraindications

Do not use if you are allergic to Natamycin or any ingredient of the drops.

Side Effects

Possible side effects include eye irritation, redness, a gritty feeling, watering, blurred vision for a short time after use and, rarely, swelling of the eye or eyelids from allergy.

Get urgent medical help if your eye pain, redness or vision gets worse, if you notice a white spot growing on the eye, or if you have swelling of the face or difficulty breathing.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Very little Natamycin is absorbed from the eye, so harm is unlikely. Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding when your doctor advises it.

Precautions and Warnings

Fungal eye infections are serious and can damage sight; attend all follow-up visits. If there is no improvement after 7 to 10 days, your doctor may change treatment. Do not wear contact lenses during treatment. Vision may blur for a short time after use, so do not drive until it clears.

Overdose

Using too many drops is unlikely to cause harm. If swallowed, it is poorly absorbed; seek medical advice if a child swallows the contents.

Therapeutic Class

Antifungal, polyene (ophthalmic).

Storage

Store below 30°C, do not freeze, away from light and out of the reach of children. Keep the bottle tightly closed and discard it 4 weeks after opening or as stated on the label.