Natamycin ophthalmic

Natamycin is a medication that fights fungal infections.

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

Natamycin ophthalmic may also be used for reasons that are not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all instructions on your prescription label. Do not use natamycin ophthalmic 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 tilted 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.

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

You should not use natamycin ophthalmic if you are allergic to it.

It is not known if natamycin ophthalmic will harm an unborn baby. Inform 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. Inform your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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

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

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

Common side effects of natamycin ophthalmic may include:

• tearing or watery eyes; or
• the sensation of something 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.

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.

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

Do not use this medication while wearing contact lenses. Natamycin ophthalmic may contain a preservative that can change the color of soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using natamycin ophthalmic before putting in your contact lenses.

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

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

It is unlikely that other medications you take by mouth or injection will affect natamycin used in the eyes. However, many medications can interact with one another. Inform all your healthcare providers about all the medicines you are using, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.