Let's learn about Natamycin, a medicine used to treat fungal infections of the eye (Natamycin eye suspension).

Are your eyes red, itchy, and constantly feeling like they're being scratched? Sometimes you may feel a nagging sensation as if there's something inside your eye. There can be several reasons for these symptoms. It could be a bacterial infection, or it could be a viral infection. But in addition to both of these, fungal infections can also cause eye infections. Today, in this article, we're going to talk about a medicine that is specifically used to treat these fungal infections in the eyes. That's Natamycin.

What kind of medicine is this Natamycin?

Simply put, Natamycin is an antifungal medication . It is used to treat certain types of fungal infections in the eyes. It is important to understand that this medication does not work at all for eye infections caused by bacteria or viruses.

Just think, our doors have different keys. Just like you can't open another door with the same key, this medicine is also for this 'disease' called fungal infection. Therefore, your doctor will only prescribe this medicine if he or she determines that your eye infection is fungal.

Things you need to tell your doctor before using the medicine

Before prescribing this medicine to you, the doctor needs to have a complete picture of your health condition. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to inform your doctor about them.

• If you have allergies to Natamycin or any other medicine, food, or dye.
• If you currently have another infection, especially a viral infection like chickenpox or herpes.
• If you are a contact lens wearer.
• If you are pregnant, or are hoping to become pregnant.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother.

Providing this information to your doctor is very important to ensure that you receive safe and proper treatment.

How do you use these eye drops correctly?

Okay, now let's see how to apply this medicine correctly. By following these steps, you can get the maximum results from the medicine.

1. Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying the medicine.

2. Shake the bottle: This is very important. You should shake the medicine bottle well before using it.

3. Tilt your head back: While sitting in a chair or lying on a bed, tilt your head back slightly.

4. Pull under the eye: Gently pull down the lower eyelid with your index finger to create a small pouch.

5. Put the medicine drops: Do not let the dropper tip touch your eyes, fingers, or anywhere else. Doing so can transfer germs to the bottle. Put the number of drops of medicine prescribed by the doctor into the prepared bag.

6. Close your eye: After applying the medicine, slowly close your eye and wait for a while. This will help the medicine spread throughout the eye.

7. Blurred vision: Your vision may be slightly blurred for a few minutes after applying the medicine. This is normal.

8. Use it on time: Use the medicine at the prescribed intervals, as prescribed by the doctor.

9. Finish the full course: This is extremely important . Even if your eye feels better, use the medicine for the full number of days your doctor tells you to take it. Stopping it halfway can cause the infection to come back.

Other things to be careful about when using medication

What if I miss a dose of medicine?

If you forget to take your medicine, take the dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time .

What if the medicine is used too much?

If you think you have accidentally taken too much of this medicine, or if someone has taken it, do not panic. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

Sensitivity to light

Some people may experience sensitivity to light when using this medication. This means that their eyes may appear blue when they look out into the sun or bright lights. If this happens, wear sunglasses when going outside.

How do I store this medicine?

To maintain the quality of the medicine, it must be stored properly.

• Keep away from children: As with all medicines, keep this one out of the reach of children.
• Temperature: Store between 2 and 24 degrees Celsius. Simply put, you can store it at normal room temperature or in the refrigerator door. But never in the freezer . Do not let the medicine harden.
• Protect from light: Keep away from direct sunlight or strong light.
• After expiration: Throw away any medicine left after the expiration date on the bottle.

If your eye condition does not improve after 7-10 days, or if it gets worse and worse, be sure to see your doctor again.

Natamycin, eye infections, antifungals, eye drops, eye diseases, eye medicine, fungal infections