Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data not available
What is Natamycin Ophthalmic?
Natamycin is an antifungal medication.
Natamycin ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat fungal infections of the eyes.
Natamycin ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use natamycin ophthalmic if you are allergic to it.
It is not known whether natamycin ophthalmic will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether natamycin ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I use Natamycin Ophthalmic
Use Natamycin Ophthalmic (Natacyn) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Wash your hands before using the eye drops.
Shake this medicine well just before each use.
To apply the eye drops:
- Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop.
- Close your eyes for 2 or 3 minutes with your head tipped down, without blinking or squinting. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about 1 minute, to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.
- Wait at least 10 minutes before using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed.
Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.
Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 to 10 days of treatment, or if you have a fever with a headache, cough, or skin rash.
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Natamycin Ophthalmic side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- vision changes;
- eye redness, swelling, or other irritation;
- eye pain or numbness; or
- chest pain, trouble breathing.
Common side effects may include:
- tearing, watery eyes; or
- feeling like something is in your eye.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Natamycin Ophthalmic?
Do not use this medication while wearing contact lenses. Natamycin ophthalmic may contain a preservative that can discolor soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using this medicine before putting in your contact lenses.
This medication may cause blurred vision and may impair your reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be able to see clearly.
Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.