Natamycin

• Keratitis

Natamycin sterile ophthalmic suspension is indicated for the treatment of fungal blepharitis, conjunctivitis and keratitis caused by susceptible organisms including Fusarium solani.

N/A

Natamycin ophthalmic suspension is contraindicated in individuals with a history of hypersensitivity to any of its component.

Natamycin is a tetraene polyene antibiotic derived from Streptomyces natalensis. Natamycin probably exerts its antifungal effects by binding to sterols in the fungal cell membrane to produce a change in membrane permeability that allows loss of essential cellular constituents. It possesses in vitro activity against a variety of yeast and filamentous fungi, including Candida, Aspergillus, Cephalosporium, Fusarium and Penicillium. Although the activity against fungi is dose-related, Natamycin is predominantly fungicidal. Topical administration appears to produce effective concentration of Natamycin within the corneal stroma but not in intraocular fluid.

May increase spread of fungal eye infection when used with topical corticosteroid.

Eye irritation, eye discomfort, eye edema, conjunctival chemosis and hyperemia has been reported.

Pregnancy Category C. Natamycin sterile ophthalmic suspension should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.Lactation: It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Caution should be exercised when Natamycin is administered to a nursing mother.

For topical eye use only. Failure of improvement of keratitis following 7-10 days of administration of the drug suggests that the infection may be caused by a microorganism not susceptible to natamycin.

Pediatric: Safety and effectiveness in paediatric patients have not been established.