Natamycin 5% Eye Drops

Label text (DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION): 'The preferred initial dosage in fungal keratitis is one drop of NATACYN (natamycin ophthalmic suspension) 5% instilled in the conjunctival sac at hourly or two-hourly intervals. The frequency of application can usually be reduced to one drop 6 to 8 times daily after the first 3 to 4 days. Therapy should generally be continued for 14 to 21 days or until there is resolution of active fungal keratitis. 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.' FUNGAL BLEPHARITIS AND CONJUNCTIVITIS: 'Less frequent initial dosage (4 to 6 daily applications) may be sufficient in fungal blepharitis and conjunctivitis.' DIAGNOSIS-LED THERAPY: as in other forms of suppurative keratitis, initial and sustained therapy of fungal keratitis should be determined by the clinical diagnosis, laboratory diagnosis by smear and culture of corneal scrapings and drug response; whenever possible the in vitro activity of natamycin against the responsible fungus should be determined. The effectiveness of natamycin as a single agent in fungal endophthalmitis has not been established. No maximum dose is printed in the label (none written). Children: safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established (no paediatric dose in the label). Elderly: no overall differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed. Storage (label): store between 2°C to 24°C; do not freeze. No UK SPC for natamycin is listed on eMC — this dose is from US prescribing information (Natacyn) and must be verified against UK practice.