Natamycin
A to Z Drug Facts
(NAT-uh-MY-sin) |
Natacyn |
Class: Ophthalmic/Anti-infective |
Action Binds to fungal cell membrane, altering membrane permeability and depleting essential cellular constituents.
Indications Treatment of fungal blepharitis, conjunctivitis and keratitis caused by susceptible organisms.
Contraindications Standard considerations.
Route/Dosage
ADULTS: Ophthalmic 1 gtt in conjunctival sac q 1 to 2 hr initially; after 3 to 4 days, frequency of instillation usually reduced to 1 gtt 6 to 8 times daily. Continue for 14 to 21 days or until there is resolution of active fungal keratitis.
Interactions
None well documented.
Lab Test Interferences None well documented.
Adverse Reactions
EENT: Conjunctival chemosis; hyperemia.
Precautions
Pregnancy: Category C. Lactation: Undetermined. Children: Safety and efficacy not established. Keratitis: Continue medication for 14 to 21 days or until active fungal keratitis has resolved, to avoid recurrence.
PATIENT CARE CONSIDERATIONS |
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Administration/Storage
- Administer as topical ophthalmic suspension.
- Shake well before administering medication.
- To administer, wash hands thoroughly. Have patient tilt head back. Pull lower eyelid down to create pocket. Place prescribed number of drops in pocket, taking care not to touch eye or allow dropper to touch eye, eyelid or other surfaces. Wash hands again after instillation.
- Store at room temperature or refrigerate. Do not freeze. Protect from light and excessive heat.
Assessment/Interventions
- Obtain patient history, including drug history and any known allergies.
- Obtain baseline ophthalmic assessment: Presence of pain, visual changes, signs and symptoms that prompted patient to seek treatment.
- Assess for ocular inflammation or irritation. Note presence of discharge, including amount and characteristics.
- Re-evaluate patient regularly for effectiveness of therapy.
Patient/Family Education
- Review proper method of instillation of medication. Instruct patient to clean excessive exudate before instilling drops and to apply light pressure to lacrimal sac for 1 min after drops are instilled.
- Emphasize importance of thorough handwashing before and after instillation and need to avoid touching eye or allowing dropper to touch eye, lids or other surfaces, to prevent spread of infection to unaffected eye or others.
- Warn patient to avoid scratching, rubbing, or touching eyes.
- Instruct patient to consult physician before applying medication while wearing contact lenses.
- Advise patient to notify physician if no improvement in 7 to 10 days.
- Instruct patient to report the following symptom to physician: Conjunctivitis (ie, pain, itching, changes in vision and sense of foreign body in eye).
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Copyright © 2003 Facts and Comparisons
David S. Tatro
A to Z Drug Facts