Description
Natamet Eye Drops 5% – 5 ml: The Complete 22-Section Guide to Natamycin for Fungal Eye Infections
Quick Answer:
Natamet eye drops 5% are a sterile ophthalmic suspension of natamycin, an antifungal medicine. Eye doctors prescribe them to treat fungal eye infections such as fungal keratitis (especially from Fusarium), fungal conjunctivitis and fungal blepharitis. They are prescription only, must be shaken well before every use, and the ophthalmologist decides how often to use them and for how long based on severity and culture results.
Natamet Eye Drops Key Facts
| Brand name | Natamet 5% Eye Drops |
| Active ingredient | Natamycin IP 5% w/v |
| Preservative | Benzalkonium chloride 0.02% |
| Dosage form | Sterile ophthalmic suspension |
| Pack size | 5 ml dropper bottle |
| Drug class | Topical ophthalmic antifungal (polyene) |
| Legal status | Prescription only (Rx), under an ophthalmologist’s care |
| Storage | Below 30 °C, away from light and moisture, do not freeze, use within one month of opening |
Short description: Natamet eye drops 5% are one of the key topical treatments for fungal eye infections. Natamycin binds to the fungal cell membrane and kills the fungus, and the suspension clings to the corneal ulcer for a longer local effect. They are always used under close follow-up by an eye doctor.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What are Natamet eye drops?
- How do they work?
- Main uses and features
- Real-life use cases
- Who are they for?
- Who should avoid them?
- How to use and dosage
- Correct instillation steps
- When will you improve?
- Common mistakes
- Myths vs facts
- Side effects
- Interactions with other drops
- Warnings and precautions
- Tests and follow-up
- Contact lenses
- Storage
- When to see a doctor urgently
- NSL expert tip
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Introduction to Natamet Eye Drops 5%
Fungal eye infections are less common than bacterial ones, but they are often more serious, especially when they affect the cornea. They usually start after a minor eye injury from plant material such as a twig or straw, after poor contact lens hygiene, or after long use of steroid eye drops. Delayed treatment can leave permanent corneal scarring and reduced vision.
That is why Natamet eye drops 5%, which contain natamycin, matter: natamycin is one of the most widely used topical antifungals for fungal keratitis. This guide explains its uses, correct instillation and important warnings, and stresses that this medicine is used only after an ophthalmologist’s diagnosis.
What Are Natamet Eye Drops?
Natamet is a sterile 5% natamycin eye suspension made by Sun Pharma, India. It comes in a 5 ml dropper bottle. A suspension means the drug particles are spread through the liquid rather than fully dissolved, so you must shake the bottle well before every use to get the right dose.
The formula also contains benzalkonium chloride 0.02% as a preservative in a sterile buffered aqueous vehicle. The pack carries the Rx symbol, meaning it is dispensed only with a prescription.
How Do Natamet Eye Drops Work?
Natamycin belongs to the polyene family of antifungals. It binds to ergosterol in the fungal cell membrane, changing membrane permeability so the cell loses essential components. Its action is mainly fungicidal.
Natamycin is particularly active against filamentous fungi such as Fusarium and Aspergillus, the most common causes of fungal keratitis in hot and agricultural regions. The suspension also adheres to the corneal ulcer and keeps a higher local concentration for longer.
Main Uses of Natamet Eye Drops
- Fungal keratitis: the main use, especially keratitis caused by Fusarium solani.
- Fungal conjunctivitis: as diagnosed by the doctor.
- Fungal blepharitis: when a fungal cause is confirmed.
- Suspension that clings to the ulcer: for a longer local effect.
- Sterile and made for the eye: topical ophthalmic use only.
Note: Natamet does not treat bacterial or viral infections and is not for ordinary red eyes or allergies.
Real-Life Use Cases
A farmer with an eye injury: a man working in a field was hit in the eye by a plant stem, and days later a white corneal ulcer appeared with pain and redness. The eye doctor took a corneal scraping for culture and prescribed Natamet at frequent intervals with follow-up every few days.
A contact lens wearer: a woman who slept in her lenses and rinsed them with tap water developed keratitis. Once a fungal cause was confirmed, her doctor prescribed Natamet and stopped all lens wear.
After long steroid drop use: a patient who used steroid drops for weeks without follow-up developed a fungal infection. The doctor stopped the steroid and started antifungal treatment.
Who Are Natamet Eye Drops For?
- Patients whose ophthalmologist has diagnosed a fungal infection of the cornea, conjunctiva or eyelid.
- Keratitis after plant-material injury with strong suspicion of fungus, at the doctor’s discretion.
- Mainly adults; children only after careful assessment, as safety in children has not been fully established.
Who Should Avoid Natamet Eye Drops?
- Anyone allergic to natamycin or any ingredient, including benzalkonium chloride.
- Undiagnosed red eye – using it without a diagnosis can delay the right treatment.
- Bacterial or viral infections, where it has no benefit.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: only if the doctor judges the benefit outweighs the risk, as data are limited.
How to Use Natamet Eye Drops and Dosage
Your eye doctor always sets the dose. For awareness only, the approved natamycin 5% labelling describes this regimen:
- Fungal keratitis: one drop into the conjunctival sac every one to two hours at first, usually reduced to one drop 6–8 times daily after the first 3–4 days.
- Duration: usually 14–21 days or until active keratitis resolves, tapering gradually every 4–7 days.
- Blepharitis or conjunctivitis: 4–6 times daily may be enough.
Do not change the frequency or stop on your own even if the eye feels better – stopping early can let the infection return.
Correct Instillation Steps
- Wash your hands well with soap and water.
- Shake the bottle well before every use.
- Tilt your head back and gently pull down the lower lid to form a small pocket.
- Place one drop into the pocket without letting the tip touch the eye or lashes.
- Close the eye gently for one minute and press on the inner corner.
- Recap the bottle tightly straight away.
When Will Natamet Eye Drops Start Working?
Fungal infections respond more slowly than bacterial ones. Pain and discharge usually start to ease within days, but corneal healing takes weeks. If keratitis does not improve after 7–10 days of regular use, the fungus may not be sensitive to natamycin and the doctor will need to reassess and possibly change treatment.
Common Mistakes
- Not shaking the bottle, which gives an uneven dose.
- Touching the dropper tip to the eye or fingers and contaminating it.
- Stopping as soon as the pain improves.
- Using steroid drops with a fungal infection without the doctor’s instruction.
- Sharing the drops with someone else.
- Using the bottle for more than a month after opening.
Myths vs Facts
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| Natamet treats any red eye. | It works only against fungi, not bacterial or viral infections or allergies. |
| You can stop once the pain goes. | Fungal infections need weeks; stopping early causes relapse. |
| Steroid drops speed up healing. | Steroids can worsen fungal infection and are used only on the doctor’s decision. |
| An opened bottle lasts until the expiry date. | Use it within one month of opening only. |
Possible Side Effects
Most effects are local and temporary: mild stinging or burning on instillation, redness, watering, a foreign-body sensation and brief blurred vision right after use because of the suspension.
Less common reported effects include eye swelling, eye pain, corneal opacity, tingling and allergic reactions. Very rarely, chest pain or shortness of breath has been reported – these need emergency care immediately.
Interactions with Other Eye Drops
- No systemic drug interactions are known for topical natamycin, because very little is absorbed into the body.
- If you use more than one drop, wait at least 5 minutes between them and apply ointments last.
- Avoid steroid drops unless your doctor specifically prescribes them.
- Tell your doctor about all drops and medicines you use.
Warnings and Precautions
- For topical ophthalmic use only – not for injection.
- Use only after an ophthalmologist’s diagnosis, ideally after a corneal scraping and culture.
- May cause temporary blurred vision; do not drive until your vision clears.
- Discard the suspension if it turns dark brown.
- Stop and see your doctor if irritation increases or persists.
Tests and Follow-Up
Treating fungal keratitis relies on slit-lamp examination plus a corneal scraping for staining and culture to identify the fungus. Follow-up is frequent at first – every one to three days – to measure the ulcer and its response. Do not miss follow-up visits even if you feel better.
Natamet Eye Drops and Contact Lenses
Do not wear contact lenses while the infection is present and during treatment. Lenses may be the source of the infection, and the preservative benzalkonium chloride can be absorbed by soft lenses. Throw away the lenses and case used during the infection and return to lenses only with your doctor’s approval.
How to Store Natamet Eye Drops
- At a temperature not exceeding 30 °C.
- Away from light and moisture; do not freeze.
- Use within one month of opening the bottle.
- Keep out of the reach of children.
When to See a Doctor Urgently
- More pain, redness or discharge despite treatment.
- Sudden or worsening loss of vision.
- No improvement after 7–10 days of regular use.
- Swelling of the eyelids or face, or a skin rash.
- Chest pain or shortness of breath (emergency).
NSL Expert Tip
From the No Style Like pharmacy team: in the first days your doctor may ask for a drop every hour. It is tiring, but it is critical to save the cornea. Set phone alarms and ask a family member to help at night if needed. Always shake the bottle, never touch the tip, and write the opening date on the box so you discard it after one month.
Natamet Eye Drops FAQ
Are Natamet eye drops an antibiotic?
No. They are an antifungal, not an antibacterial antibiotic, and do not help bacterial infections.
How many times a day should I use them?
Your doctor decides. For keratitis, treatment often starts every one to two hours and is then reduced gradually.
Can children use them?
Safety in children has not been fully established, so use only on an ophthalmologist’s decision.
Why do the drops look cloudy white?
Because they are a suspension, not a solution – which is why you must shake well before each use.
What if I miss a drop?
Use it as soon as you remember and continue your schedule. Do not use two drops to make up.
Can I drive after using them?
Wait until your vision is fully clear, as the suspension can blur vision briefly.
Conclusion
Natamet eye drops 5% natamycin are a key treatment for fungal eye infections, especially fungal keratitis. Success depends on early diagnosis, strict adherence to the dosing schedule, shaking the bottle and regular follow-up with your eye doctor. Order Natamet eye drops with your doctor’s prescription from No Style Like Pharmacy with delivery across Egypt.
Reviewed by the No Style Like pharmacy content team. This information is for education only. Natamet is a prescription medicine used under the supervision of an ophthalmologist, and this page does not replace medical advice. See the official natamycin labelling on DailyMed – Natamycin 5%.
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