Sisomicin is an antibiotic eye drop used to treat bacterial eye infections.
| Drug class | Antibiotic (Aminoglycoside) |
|---|---|
| Type | Single |
| Forms | Eye Drop (rare) |
| Common strength | 0.3% |
| Common Indian brands | Systemic/rare |
| Prescription status | Prescription |
What Sisomicin is used for
Sisomicin eye drops are an anti-infective medicine, specifically an antibiotic, used to treat certain eye conditions. It is prescribed when your eye doctor suspects or confirms a bacterial infection in your eye.
- Bacterial eye infection
How it works
Sisomicin belongs to a group of antibiotics called aminoglycosides. These medicines work by stopping the growth and multiplication of bacteria that cause infections. It does this by interfering with the bacteria’s ability to make essential proteins, which are vital for their survival and spread. By halting protein production, Sisomicin effectively kills the bacteria or prevents them from multiplying, allowing your body to clear the infection and your eye to heal.
How it’s used
Sisomicin eye drops are typically prescribed for use 3 to 4 times a day. Your ophthalmologist will provide specific instructions on how often and for how long you should use the drops. It is crucial to follow these instructions precisely to ensure the medicine works effectively and to prevent the infection from returning.
Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after applying eye drops. Tilt your head back, pull down your lower eyelid to form a small pocket, and gently squeeze the bottle to release one drop into the pocket. Avoid touching the tip of the dropper to your eye, eyelid, or any other surface to prevent contamination. Close your eye gently for a minute or two, and then blink a few times to spread the medicine. If you are using other eye drops, wait at least 5-10 minutes between different medications.
Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.
Brands available in India
- Systemic/rare
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
Sisomicin eye drops are an uncommon prescription in Indian practice. However, like all prescription medications, it should be used with caution and only under the guidance of a qualified ophthalmologist. It is a prescription-only medicine, meaning you cannot obtain it without a doctor’s prescription. Always use it exactly as directed by your doctor.
It is important to complete the full course of treatment, even if your symptoms improve, to ensure the infection is fully cleared and to prevent antibiotic resistance. Do not share your eye drops with others, and do not use an old prescription without consulting your doctor, as the condition might be different or the medicine may no longer be sterile or effective.
Understanding Bacterial Eye Infections
Our eyes are delicate organs, and sometimes they can become infected by bacteria. A bacterial eye infection can affect various parts of the eye, leading to symptoms like redness, itching, burning, discharge (pus), swelling, pain, and sensitivity to light. Common bacterial eye infections include conjunctivitis (pink eye), which is an inflammation of the clear membrane covering the white part of your eye and the inside of your eyelids, and keratitis, an infection of the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye). While some mild irritations might resolve on their own, bacterial infections often require specific treatment, like antibiotic eye drops, to prevent them from worsening or causing more serious complications. If you experience any symptoms of an eye infection, it is always best to consult an ophthalmologist promptly for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Correctly Using Eye Drops for Best Results
Using eye drops correctly is vital for their effectiveness. Before you begin, always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to prevent introducing more germs into your eye. Gently shake the bottle if instructed to do so. Tilt your head back slightly and look up. With one hand, gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper bottle upside down with the other hand, positioning it directly over your eye. Be careful not to let the tip of the dropper touch your eye, eyelid, or eyelashes, as this can contaminate the medicine. Squeeze the bottle gently to release one drop into the pocket you created. Close your eye gently for a minute or two, allowing the medicine to spread across the eye. Avoid blinking excessively or squeezing your eyes shut tightly, as this can push the medicine out. If you need to apply more than one drop, wait about 5-10 minutes between drops to allow the first drop to be absorbed. If you are using other eye medications, such as ointments or different types of drops, always follow your doctor’s specific instructions on the order and timing of application.
General Hygiene, Storage, and When to Seek Help
Maintaining good eye hygiene is crucial, especially when dealing with an eye infection. Avoid touching or rubbing your infected eye, as this can spread the infection to your other eye or to other people. Always wash your hands before and after touching your eyes or applying medication. Do not share towels, pillowcases, or eye makeup with others. If you wear contact lenses, your doctor will likely advise you to stop wearing them until the infection has cleared completely. Always store your eye drops at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat, and keep the cap tightly closed when not in use. Check the expiry date on the bottle and discard any unused medicine after the recommended period, usually 28 days after opening, even if there is still medicine left. It is important to complete the entire course of treatment prescribed by your doctor, even if your symptoms improve, to ensure the infection is fully eradicated and to prevent recurrence or the development of antibiotic resistance. If your symptoms worsen, do not improve after a few days of treatment, or if you experience new or severe symptoms like sudden vision changes, severe pain, or increased redness, contact your ophthalmologist immediately. 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.
Frequently asked questions
What is Sisomicin used for?
Sisomicin is an antibiotic eye drop used to treat bacterial eye infections.
How does Sisomicin work?
Sisomicin works by stopping the growth and multiplication of bacteria that cause eye infections. It does this by interfering with the bacteria's ability to make essential proteins, which are vital for their survival.
What are the common Indian brands for Sisomicin eye drops?
Sisomicin eye drops are uncommon in Indian practice, and specific brands are rare. It is more commonly found in systemic forms.
How should I use Sisomicin eye drops?
Sisomicin eye drops are typically used 3 to 4 times a day. Always follow your ophthalmologist's specific instructions on how often and for how long to use the drops. Remember to wash your hands before and after application, and avoid touching the dropper tip to your eye.
Do I need a prescription for Sisomicin eye drops?
Yes, Sisomicin is a prescription eye medicine. You must use it only as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist and cannot obtain it without a valid prescription.
What precautions should I take while using Sisomicin eye drops?
Use Sisomicin only as directed by your ophthalmologist. Complete the full course of treatment even if symptoms improve. Do not share your eye drops, and do not reuse an old prescription. If your symptoms worsen or do not improve, consult your doctor immediately.
References
- Sisomicin – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
- Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) – American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Conjunctivitis – MedlinePlus
- Learn about eye health – National Eye Institute (NIH)
- Blindness and vision impairment – World Health Organization
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.