Natacyn

Natamycin is a medication that fights fungal infections.

Natacyn (for the eyes) is used to treat fungal infections of the eyes.

Natacyn may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all instructions on your medicine label and package. Inform each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and any medicines you are taking.

You should not use Natacyn if you are allergic to it.

It is not known if Natacyn will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known if natamycin ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Natacyn may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• vision changes;
• eye redness, swelling, or other irritation;
• eye pain or numbness; or
• chest pain, trouble breathing.

Common side effects of Natacyn 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.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use Natacyn 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 close to the time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to compensate for the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Do not use this medication while wearing contact lenses. Natacyn may have a preservative that can change the color of soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using Natacyn before inserting your contact lenses.

This medication may cause blurred vision and may affect your reactions. Be cautious if you drive or do anything that needs clear vision.

Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor instructs you to.

It is not likely that other drugs you take by mouth or injection will affect natamycin used in the eyes. However, many drugs can interact with each other. Inform all of your healthcare providers about all medicines you are using, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.