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Action/Kinetics:
Antifungal antibiotic derived from
Streptomyces natalensis. Binds to the fungal cell membrane, resulting in alteration of permeability and loss of essential intracellular materials. Is fungicidal. After topical administration, therapeutic levels are reached in the corneal stroma but not in the intraocular fluid. Not absorbed systemically.
Uses:
For ophthalmic use only. Drug of choice for
Fusarium solanae keratitis. For treatment of fungal blepharitis, conjunctivitis, and keratitis caused by susceptible organisms. It is active against a variety of yeasts and filamentous fungi including
Candida, Aspergillus, Cephalosporium, Fusarium and
Penicillium. Before initiating therapy, determine the susceptibility of the infectious organism to drug in smears and cultures of corneal scrapings. Effectiveness of natamycin for use as single agent in fungal endophthalmitis not established.
Contraindications:
Hypersensitivity to drug.
Special Concerns:
Use with caution during lactation. Effectiveness as a single agent to treat fungal endophthalmitis has not been established. Safety and effectiveness have not been determined in children.
Side Effects:
Eye irritation, occasional allergies.
How Supplied:
Suspension: 5%
Dosage
?Ophthalmic Suspension (5%)
Fungal keratitis.
Initially, 1 gtt in conjunctival sac q 1-2 hr; can be reduced usually, after 3-4 days to 1 gtt 6-8 times/day. Continue therapy for 14-21 days, during which dosage can be reduced gradually at 4 to 7-day intervals.
Fungal blepharitis/conjunctivitis.
1 gtt 4-6 times/day.
