Natamycin

Registered South African indications:

• Fungal blepharitis
• Fungal conjunctivitis
• Fungal keratitis

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or any of its excipients

Cautions

• Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding
• Endophthalmitis
• Concomitant use of soft contact lenses

Forms avail. in SA and covered in this monograph: opd

Dosages below include:

• South African Standard Treatment Guidelines indications and dosages
• South African registered indications and dosages

Infections caused by: Fusarium ssp., Aspergillus ssp., Candida spp., Cephalosporium spp.,  and Penicillium spp.

Specific doses based on individual indications

Please note that the dosages below should be used in combination with regional guidelines, taking into account local antibiotic sensitivities 

South African Standard Treatment Guidelines indications and dosages

Suppurative keratitis

• Ophthalmic (opd): 1 drop into affected eye(s), 1-2hrly; Treatment duration: 3-4 days; Follow with: 1 drop into affect eye(s), 3-4hrly; Treatment duration: 14-21 days
  (STG, Adult 2019)

South African registered indications and dosages

Fungal keratitis

• Ophthalmic (opd): Day 1-3: 1 drop into affected eye(s), 1-2hrly; Day 4 onwards: 1 drop into affect eye(s), 3-4hrly; Treatment duration: 14-21 days

In many cases, it may be helpful to reduce the dosage gradually at 4 to 7 day intervals to assure that the replicating organism has been eliminated. Less frequent initial
dosage (4-6 daily applications) may be sufficient in fungal blepharitis and conjunctivitis

Not established for use in children

Pregnancy

• FDA Pregnancy Category C

Breastfeeding

• Caution

Renal Impairment

• No dose adjustment recommended note

Hepatic Impairment

• No dose adjustment recommended

Elderly

• No dose adjustment recommended

Cardiovascular Disorders

• Chest pain 

Respiratory Disorders

• Dyspnoea

Immune, Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders

•  Allergic reaction

Sensory Disorders

• Change in vision
• Corneal opacity
• Eye discomfort
• Eye oedema
• Eye hyperemia
• Eye irritation
• Eye pain
• Foreign body sensation
• Paraesthesia
• Tearing

No information available

None routine

Natamycin inhibits fungal growth by binding to ergosterol in the plasma membrane, this prevents ergosterol-dependent fusion of vacuoles, as well as membrane fusion and fission.

Eye drop (per ml) 50mg

• Natacyn (Equity Pharmaceuticals) originator