Natamycin Eye Drops: Uses, Brands & Dosage

Natamycin is an antifungal eye drop used to treat serious eye infections called fungal corneal ulcers, which are common in India.

Drug class	Antifungal
Type	Single
Forms	Eye Drop (suspension)
Common strength	5% w/v
Common Indian brands	Natamet, Natacin (multiple generics)
Prescription status	Prescription

What Natamycin is used for

Natamycin eye drops are a powerful anti-infective medicine specifically used to treat:

Fungal Corneal Ulcer (Keratitis): This is a serious infection of the cornea (the clear front part of your eye). Natamycin is especially effective against common types of fungi that cause these ulcers, such as Fusarium and Aspergillus. In India, it is often the first-line (primary) treatment recommended for these types of infections.

How it works

Natamycin works by targeting the fungi that cause the eye infection. When the eye drops are applied, the medicine binds to the outer layer, or ‘cell membrane’, of the fungal cells. This binding action damages and destroys the fungal cells, stopping the infection from growing and helping your eye to heal.

How it’s used

Natamycin eye drops are typically used for a long period to ensure the infection is completely cleared. Your ophthalmologist will give you specific instructions, but generally, the treatment starts intensively and then gradually reduces:

Initial Phase: You will usually need to put one drop into the affected eye every 1 to 2 hours for several days. This high frequency helps to quickly bring the infection under control.
Tapering Phase: As your eye begins to heal, your doctor will slowly reduce the frequency of the drops. This tapering process can take a long time, often over 4 to 6 weeks, to ensure the fungi are completely eradicated and to prevent the infection from returning.

It is crucial to follow your doctor’s instructions precisely and complete the entire course of treatment, even if your eye feels better sooner. Stopping early can lead to the infection coming back.

Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.

Brands available in India

Natamet
Natacin (multiple generics)

Brand availability and pricing vary; confirm with your pharmacist.

Good to know

Prescription eye medicine — use only as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist. This page is for general education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or a prescription. Do not self-medicate or reuse an old prescription.

Precautions & side effects

When using Natamycin eye drops, it’s important to be aware of a few key points:

Common Cause of Infection: Fungal corneal ulcers, which Natamycin treats, are very common in India. They often occur after an eye injury involving vegetative matter, such as a piece of crop, a twig, or soil. If you have had such an injury, it’s vital to seek medical attention promptly.
Long Treatment Duration: Treatment for fungal ulcers is typically long, often lasting several weeks. Patience and adherence to your doctor’s prescribed schedule are essential for successful recovery.
Shake Well Before Use: Natamycin is a thick white suspension. It is very important to shake the bottle well before each use to ensure the medicine is evenly mixed. This ensures you get the correct dose with every drop.
Prescription Medicine: Natamycin is a prescription eye medicine. It should only be used as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist. This page is for general education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or a prescription. Do not self-medicate or reuse an old prescription.

Understanding Fungal Corneal Ulcers

Fungal corneal ulcers, also known as fungal keratitis, are serious eye infections that affect the cornea – the transparent, dome-shaped front surface of your eye that covers the iris, pupil, and anterior chamber. The cornea plays a vital role in focusing light onto the retina, allowing us to see clearly. When it gets infected, especially by fungi, it can lead to significant pain, blurred vision, and if not treated promptly and effectively, potentially permanent vision loss.

In India, these infections are quite common, particularly among people who work in agriculture or spend a lot of time outdoors. A common way these infections start is when the eye is injured by organic matter, such as a piece of plant, a twig, dust, or soil. Even a tiny scratch from such material can introduce fungi into the eye, leading to an infection. Symptoms often include redness, pain, excessive tearing, sensitivity to light, and a feeling that something is in your eye. You might also notice a white or grey spot on your cornea. If you experience any of these symptoms, especially after an eye injury, it is crucial to see an ophthalmologist immediately.

Early diagnosis and consistent treatment are key to managing fungal corneal ulcers and preserving your vision. Natamycin is a very important medicine in this fight, often being the first choice for doctors in India due to its effectiveness against the common types of fungi that cause these ulcers.

How to Correctly Use Eye Drops

Using eye drops correctly is essential to ensure the medicine works effectively and to prevent contamination. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Wash Your Hands: Always start by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water. This is the most important step to prevent introducing germs into your eye.
Prepare the Bottle: If your eye drop is a suspension, like Natamycin, make sure to shake the bottle well before each use. Remove the cap and place it on a clean surface. Avoid touching the dropper tip with your fingers or any other surface.
Position Yourself: Tilt your head back or lie down. Gently pull down your lower eyelid with one finger to create a small pocket.
Instil the Drop: Hold the dropper bottle upside down with your other hand, directly over your eye. Look upwards. Squeeze the bottle gently to release one drop into the pocket you created in your lower eyelid. Try not to let the dropper tip touch your eye or eyelashes.
Close Your Eye: Gently close your eye for 1-2 minutes. Avoid blinking or squeezing your eye shut, as this can push the medicine out. You can also press lightly on the inner corner of your eye (near your nose) to help keep the medicine in your eye.
Clean Up: If any excess liquid runs down your face, gently wipe it away with a clean tissue. Replace the cap on the bottle tightly.
Wash Hands Again: Wash your hands again to remove any medicine residue.

If you need to use more than one type of eye drop, wait at least 5-10 minutes between different medications to allow each drop to be absorbed properly.

General Hygiene and Storage

Maintaining good hygiene and proper storage of your eye drops are vital for your eye health and the medicine’s effectiveness:

Do Not Share: Never share your eye drops with anyone else, even if they have similar symptoms. Eye drops are prescribed specifically for you and your condition. Sharing can spread infections.
Check Expiry Date: Always check the expiry date on the bottle. Do not use expired medication.
Discard After Opening: Most eye drop bottles should be discarded a certain period after opening (usually 4 weeks), even if there is medicine left. This is because once opened, the drops can become contaminated. Your doctor or pharmacist can advise you on the specific discard date for your medicine.
Store Correctly: Store your eye drops as directed by your pharmacist or on the label, usually at room temperature and away from direct sunlight or excessive heat. Keep them out of reach of children.
Avoid Contamination: Always ensure the dropper tip does not touch your eye, eyelid, fingers, or any other surface. This prevents germs from entering the bottle and contaminating the medicine.

When to Seek Help

While Natamycin is very effective, it’s important to monitor your eye and know when to contact your ophthalmologist. You should seek immediate medical attention if:

Your symptoms worsen despite using the drops as prescribed.
You experience new symptoms, such as severe pain, sudden decrease in vision, or increased redness.
You develop an allergic reaction, such as swelling around the eye, severe itching, or difficulty breathing (though rare with eye drops).
You accidentally get the dropper tip contaminated.

Always attend your follow-up appointments with your ophthalmologist. These appointments are crucial for your doctor to monitor your progress, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, and ensure the infection is completely resolved. Remember, your doctor is your best resource for managing your eye health.

Frequently asked questions

What is Natamycin used for?

Natamycin is an antifungal eye drop primarily used to treat serious eye infections called fungal corneal ulcers (keratitis), especially those caused by filamentous fungi like Fusarium and Aspergillus. It is a first-line treatment in India for these conditions.

How does Natamycin work?

Natamycin works by binding to the cell membrane of the fungi causing the infection. This action destroys the fungal cells, helping to clear the infection from your eye.

What are the common brands of Natamycin available in India?

In India, Natamycin is available under brand names like Natamet and Natacin, as well as multiple generic versions.

How should I use Natamycin eye drops?

Initially, you will typically need to put one drop into the affected eye every 1-2 hours for several days. After this, the frequency will be gradually reduced over 4-6 weeks as directed by your ophthalmologist. It is crucial to shake the bottle well before each use as it is a thick white suspension.

Do I need a prescription for Natamycin?

Yes, Natamycin is a prescription eye medicine. You should only use it as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist.

What are the important precautions to take while using Natamycin?

Fungal ulcers are common in India after eye injury with vegetative matter, and treatment is usually long. Always shake the bottle well before use as it is a thick white suspension. Use only as directed by your ophthalmologist and do not self-medicate or reuse old prescriptions.

References

Medically reviewed by Dr. C Jagadesh Reddy, Chief Surgeon: Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery — last reviewed 2026-07-28.

This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist before starting, changing or stopping any eye medicine.