Natacyn (natamycin ophthalmic) dosing, indications, interactions, adverse effects, and more

Sections

Sections natamycin ophthalmic
Dosing & Uses
Adverse Effects
Warnings
Pregnancy
Pharmacology
Images
Patient Handout
Formulary

Dosing & Uses

AdultPediatric

Dosage Forms & Strengths

ophthalmic suspension

Fungal Keratitis

1 gtt in conjunctival sac q1-2hr

May decrease to 1 gtt 6-8 times/day after 3-4 days

Continue for 14-21 days until infection eradicated

Fungal Blepharitis/Conjunctivitis

1 gtt in conjunctival sac 4-6 times/day

Other Indications & Uses

Off-label: Candidiasis

Safety & efficacy not established

Frequency Not Defined

Eye irritation

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity

Concurrent use with topical corticosteroid

Cautions

For keratitis, consider alternative tx if no improvement in 7-10 d

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category: C

Lactation: no problems reported

Pregnancy Categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

Pharmacology

Metabolism: N/A

Excretion: N/A

Mechanism of Action

Macrolide antifungal antibiotic, binds to sterols in the fungal cell membrane & renders it nonfunctional

BRAND	FORM.	UNIT PRICE	PILL IMAGE
Natacyn ophthalmic (eye) -	5 % drops

Patient Handout

NATAMYCIN - OPHTHALMIC

(NA-ta-MYE-sin)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Natacyn

USES: Natamycin is used to treat fungal eye infections. It works by stopping the growth of certain types of fungus.This medication treats only fungal eye infections. It will not work for other types of eye infections. Unnecessary use or misuse of any drug used to treat infection can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

HOW TO USE: Use this medication in the affected eye(s) as directed by your doctor.To apply eye drops, wash hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface.Do not wear contact lenses while you are using this medication. Sterilize contact lenses according to the manufacturer's directions, and check with your doctor before you begin using them again.Shake the bottle well before using. Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place one drop into the pouch. Look downward, gently close your eyes, and place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose). Apply gentle pressure for 1 to 2 minutes before opening your eyes. This will prevent the medication from draining out. Try not to blink or rub your eye. If directed to use this medication in both eyes, repeat these steps for your other eye. Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use.If you are using another kind of eye medication (such as drops or ointments), wait at least 5 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the drops to enter the eye.Wait several minutes for your vision to clear before driving or operating machinery.Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. Continue to use it for the full time prescribed, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow the fungus to continue to grow, which may result in a return of the infection.This medication is usually prescribed for 2 to 3 weeks or until the infection is cured. Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

SIDE EFFECTS: Eye discomfort or irritation may occur. If either of these effects lasts or gets worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using natamycin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history.After you apply this drug, your vision may become temporarily blurred. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.Some products that may interact with this drug include: corticosteroid eye medications (such as dexamethasone, prednisolone).

OVERDOSE: This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Throw away the unused medication after treatment is completed. Do not use it later for another infection unless your doctor tells you to.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and heat, or store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

Formulary

FormularyPatient Discounts

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Adding plans allows you to:

View the formulary and any restrictions for each plan.
Manage and view all your plans together – even plans in different states.
Compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.
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The above information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. Individual plans may vary and formulary information changes. Contact the applicable plan provider for the most current information.

View explanations for tiers and restrictions

Tier	Description
1	This drug is available at the lowest co-pay. Most commonly, these are generic drugs.
2	This drug is available at a middle level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "preferred" (on formulary) brand drugs.
3	This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs.
4	This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
5	This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
6	This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
NC	NOT COVERED – Drugs that are not covered by the plan.

Code	Definition
PA	Prior Authorization Drugs that require prior authorization. This restriction requires that specific clinical criteria be met prior to the approval of the prescription.
QL	Quantity Limits Drugs that have quantity limits associated with each prescription. This restriction typically limits the quantity of the drug that will be covered.
ST	Step Therapy Drugs that have step therapy associated with each prescription. This restriction typically requires that certain criteria be met prior to approval for the prescription.
OR	Other Restrictions Drugs that have restrictions other than prior authorization, quantity limits, and step therapy associated with each prescription.

Medscape prescription drug monographs are based on FDA-approved labeling information, unless otherwise noted, combined with additional data derived from primary medical literature.

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