Natamycin

Class: Antifungals
ATC Class: S01AA10
VA Class: OP210
CAS Number: 7681-93-8
Brands: Natacyn

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jul 13, 2021. Written by ASHP.

Introduction

Antifungal; tetraene polyene.

Uses for Natamycin

Fungal Ophthalmic Infections

Topical treatment of blepharitis, conjunctivitis, and keratitis caused by susceptible fungi, including keratitis caused by Fusarium solani.

Efficacy not established for use as a single agent for treatment of fungal endophthalmitis.

Use clinical diagnosis, laboratory diagnosis by smear and culture of corneal scrapings, and drug response to guide initial and continued therapy of fungal keratitis. Whenever possible, use in vitro susceptibility testing to confirm that causative organism is susceptible to natamycin.

Natamycin Dosage and Administration

Administration

Ophthalmic Administration

Apply 5% ophthalmic suspension topically to the eye.

For topical ophthalmic use only; do not inject directly into eye.

To avoid contaminating the ophthalmic suspension, do not allow tip of dispensing dropper to touch any surface.

Shake suspension well prior to each use.

Dosage

Adults

Fungal Ophthalmic Infections

Fungal Blepharitis or Conjunctivitis

Instill 1 drop of 5% ophthalmic suspension into conjunctival sac of affected eye(s) 4–6 times daily.

Fungal Keratitis

Instill 1 drop of 5% ophthalmic suspension into conjunctival sac of affected eye(s) every 1–2 hours. After 3–4 days, may decrease frequency to 1 drop 6–8 times daily; in many cases, frequency may be gradually decreased every 4–7 days.

If no signs of improvement after 7–10 days of topical therapy, infection may be caused by pathogens not susceptible to natamycin; base continued therapy on clinical reevaluation and additional laboratory studies.

If evidence of improvement, continue topical therapy for 14–21 days or until there are no signs or symptoms of active fungal keratitis.

Special Populations

No special populations dosage recommendations.

Cautions for Natamycin

Contraindications

• Known hypersensitivity to natamycin or any ingredient in the formulation.

Warnings/Precautions

Sensitivity Reactions

Hypersensitivity

Allergic reactions reported.

Administration Precautions

For topical ophthalmic use only; not for injection into the eye.

Do not wear contact lenses if any signs or symptoms of fungal blepharitis, conjunctivitis, or keratitis are present.

Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Animal reproduction studies not performed to evaluate whether natamycin can cause fetal harm or affect reproduction capacity.

Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Lactation

Not known whether distributed into milk.

Use with caution in nursing women.

Pediatric Use

Safety and efficacy not established in pediatric patients.

Geriatric Use

No overall differences in safety and efficacy rela