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Natamycin

Information about Natamycin

Natamycin Uses

Natamycin is used in the treatment of fungal infections of eye.

How Natamycin works

Natamycin is an antifungal medication. It kills fungi by destroying the fungal cell membrane.

Common side effects of Natamycin

Eye irritation

CONTENT DETAILS

Written By

Dr. Anuj Saini

MMST, MBBS

Reviewed By

Dr. Varun Gupta

MD (Pharmacology), MBBS

Last updated

18 Feb 2020 | 11:51 AM (UTC)

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Available Medicine for Natamycin

Expert advice for Natamycin

Natamycin should be used as per dose and duration suggested by the doctor.
Apply pressure on the corner of the eye (close to the nose) for about 1 minute immediately after instilling the drop.
Wait for at least 5-10 minutes before delivering the next medication in the same eye to avoid dilution.
Remove contact lenses before using Natamycin and allow at least 15 minutes before re-inserting them.
It may cause short term blurring of vision when first used. Use caution before driving or using machines.
Consult your doctor if the symptoms get worse or do not get better within 2 weeks of treatment.

Frequently asked questions for Natamycin

Natamycin

Q. Does Natamycin cause cancer?

Natamycin has no known effects on causing cancers

Q. Where does Natamycin come from?

Natamycin is an antibiotic derived from Streptomyces natalensis

Q. How does Natamycin work?

Natamycin belongs to a class of medicines called tetraene polyene antibiotic. Natamycin binds to the fungal cell wall, alters the permeability of the cell wall and causes depletion of the cellular contents; thereby reducing growth and proliferation of fungi

Q. Why Natamycin does not affect bacteria?

The mechanism of action of Natamycin is through binding of the molecule to the sterol moiety of the fungal cell membrane. Since bacterial cell wall doesn't contain sterol moiety, it doesn't affect bacteria.