Natamet 5% Drops

NATAMET 5% DROPS by SUN - MILMET

• Name: Natamet 5% Drops (also commonly known as Natamet Eye Drops).
• Composition: Each drop contains Natamycin 5% w/v.
• Uses: Natamet Eye Drops are an antifungal medication primarily used to treat fungal infections of the eye. This includes conditions such as:
  • Fungal blepharitis (eyelid infection caused by fungi).
  • Fungal conjunctivitis (infection of the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye).
  • Fungal keratitis (corneal infection due to fungi).
  • It helps alleviate symptoms like eye pain, redness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, excessive tearing, discharge, itching, and soreness associated with fungal eye infections.
• Dosage and Administration: Natamet Eye Drops are for external ophthalmic use only. The dosage should be determined by a doctor based on the severity of the condition and patient response.
  • For Fungal Keratitis: The initial dosage is typically 1 drop instilled into the conjunctival sac every 1-2 hours. The frequency can usually be reduced to 1 drop 6-8 times daily after the first 3-4 days. Therapy should generally continue for 14 to 21 days, or until the active fungal keratitis resolves. Gradual reduction of dosage over 4 to 7-day intervals may be helpful to ensure elimination of the replicating fungus.
  • For Fungal Blepharitis & Conjunctivitis: A less frequent initial dosage of 1 drop 4-6 times daily may suffice.
  • Administration Instructions: Wash hands thoroughly before use. Gently pull down the lower eyelid to create a small pocket, tilt the head back, and look upwards. Carefully squeeze the prescribed number of drops into this pocket without touching the eye or eyelid with the dropper tip to avoid contamination. Close the eye and gently apply pressure on the inner corner for 1-2 minutes to prevent drainage. If using other eye medications, wait at least 5 minutes between applications.
• Side Effects: Common side effects are generally mild and temporary, and may include:
  • Temporary eye irritation, stinging, or burning in the eyes.
  • Blurred vision.
  • Eye redness.
  • Increased tear production (tearing).
  • Eye discomfort or pain.
  • Allergic reactions (rare).
  • More serious, but less common, side effects reported include chest pain, shortness of breath, corneal opacity, edema, hyperemia, and foreign body sensation. If side effects persist or worsen, consult a doctor.
• Precautions:
  • Allergies: Do not use if allergic to Natamycin or any other components of the drops.
  • Contact Lenses: Avoid wearing contact lenses during treatment as they may aggravate the infection.
  • Driving/Operating Machinery: May cause temporary blurred vision; use caution before driving or operating machinery.
  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Caution is advised. Consult a doctor as it should only be used if clearly specified.
  • Children: Not recommended for use in children as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
  • Liver/Kidney Issues: Discuss with a doctor if you have liver or kidney problems, as dose adjustments or monitoring may be beneficial.
  • Prolonged Therapy: If no improvement is seen after 7-10 days, the infection may be caused by a microorganism not susceptible to Natamycin.
  • Interactions: May increase the spread of fungal eye infection when used with topical corticosteroids.
• Storage: Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight. Do not freeze. Keep out of the sight and reach of children. Typically stored at 10ºC to 25ºC or below 30ºC. Protect from excessive heat and light.

What is NATAMET 5% DROPS used for?

NATAMET 5% DROPS, which contain Natamycin (5% w/v), are primarily used to treat fungal infections of the eye. These infections can include fungal blepharitis (eyelid infection), fungal conjunctivitis (infection of the white part of the eye), and fungal keratitis (corneal infection). It helps alleviate symptoms such as eye pain, redness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, excessive tearing, and discharge.

How does NATAMET 5% DROPS work?

NATAMET 5% DROPS work by delivering Natamycin, an antifungal medication, which targets and kills the fungi causing eye infections. Natamycin specifically binds to ergosterol, a crucial component of the fungal cell membrane. This binding alters the membrane's permeability, leading to the leakage of cellular contents and ultimately the death of the fungal cells. Since bacterial cell walls do not contain sterol, Natamet does not affect bacteria.

What is the usual dosage for NATAMET 5% DROPS?

The dosage of NATAMET 5% DROPS should always be as advised by your doctor. For fungal keratitis, the initial dosage is typically one drop instilled into the conjunctival sac every 1-2 hours. After the first 3-4 days, the frequency can usually be reduced to one drop 6-8 times daily. Treatment generally continues for 14 to 21 days, or until the active fungal keratitis resolves, with gradual dosage reduction over 4-7 day intervals. For fungal blepharitis and conjunctivitis, a less frequent initial dosage of one drop 4-6 times daily may be sufficient.

What are the possible side effects of NATAMET 5% DROPS?

Common side effects of NATAMET 5% DROPS may include temporary eye irritation, discomfort, stinging or burning in the eyes, blurred vision, eye redness, and increased tear production. These side effects are often temporary and may resolve as your body adjusts to the medication. If irritation persists or worsens, or if you experience severe allergic reactions (e.g., rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing) or corneal toxicity, it is important to consult your doctor.

Is NATAMET 5% DROPS safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

NATAMET 5% DROPS are considered a pregnancy category C drug, meaning they may be unsafe to use during pregnancy, as animal studies have shown harmful effects on the fetus. It should only be used in pregnant women if clearly specified by a doctor, who will weigh the benefits against potential risks. Information on its use during breastfeeding is limited, and it is not known if it passes into breast milk, so it should only be used if recommended by a doctor.

Can NATAMET 5% DROPS be taken with other medications?

If you are using other ophthalmic medications, it is advisable to wait at least 5-10 minutes between applying NATAMET 5% DROPS and other eye drops or ointments to avoid dilution. Concurrent use with topical corticosteroids may increase the spread of fungal eye infection. It's crucial to inform your doctor about all medications you are currently taking, including prescription, non-prescription drugs, and herbal products, to prevent potential drug interactions.

What precautions should be taken when using NATAMET 5% DROPS?

NATAMET 5% DROPS are for ophthalmic use only. Avoid touching the dropper tip to your eye, eyelids, or any surface to prevent contamination. Do not wear contact lenses while undergoing treatment for fungal eye infections; allow at least 15 minutes before re-inserting them if advised by your doctor. Since the drops can cause temporary blurred vision, avoid driving or operating machinery until your vision clears. Complete the full course of treatment as prescribed, even if symptoms improve, to prevent the infection from returning. It is not recommended for use in children unless prescribed by a physician, as safety and effectiveness have not been established.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If you miss a dose of NATAMET 5% DROPS, use it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at once or increase the dosage without consulting your doctor.

How should NATAMET 5% DROPS be stored?

NATAMET 5% DROPS should be stored in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight, typically between 10ºC to 25ºC or below 30ºC. Keep the medicine out of the sight and reach of children. The bottle is only partially full to provide proper drop control.