Dosing and uses of Natacyn (natamycin ophthalmic)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
ophthalmic suspension
- 5%
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
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
Safety & efficacy not established
Natacyn (natamycin ophthalmic) adverse (side) effects
Frequency not defined
Eye irritation
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
Concurrent use with topical corticosteroid
Cautions
For keratitis, consider alternative tx if no improvement in 7-10 d
Pregnancy and 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 of Natacyn (natamycin ophthalmic)
Metabolism: N/A
Excretion: N/A
Mechanism of action
Macrolide antifungal antibiotic, binds to sterols in the fungal cell membrane & renders it nonfunctionaL
