INTRODUCTION

NATAK contains Natamycin which belongs to the group of medicines called Ophthalmic anti-fungal agents. It is used to manage fungal infections of the eye such as blepharitis (eyelid infection), conjunctivitis (swelling of conjunctiva), and keratitis (swelling of cornea).

Fungal eye infection is a disease where the susceptible organism attacks the tissues of the eye causing eye pain, blurred vision, redness, watery eyes, discharge from the eyes and sensitivity to light.

NATAK is for ophthalmic use only. It effectively controls the fungal growth within the eye. Use NATAK as instructed by the physician to achieve better results. Do not use NATAK for more than 7-10 days without consulting your doctor. Avoid wearing contact lenses while undergoing therapy for fungal eye infections.

Before using NATAK inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. NATAK should be used in children and adolescents (aged below 18 years) only if prescribed by the physician.

The most common side effects of using NATAK are eye pain, discomfort or irritation, blurred vision, and increased tear production. Contact your doctor if they trouble you.

USES OF NATAK

• Manages fungal infections of the eye

HOW NATAK WORKS

NATAK effectively controls fungal infections within the eye. It binds to the fungal cell wall and disrupts the fungal cell membrane by blocking the production of certain chemicals (ergosterol) within the cell that is required for its survival. As a result, it stops the fungal cell from multiplication, thereby preventing the further spread of infection.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Use NATAK as advised by your physician. It is for ophthalmic use only. Wash your hands before application. Tilt your head slightly backwards and place the tip of the container close to your eyes. Gently pull your lower eyelid and instil few drops of the medicine as directed by your physician. Close your eyes and gently press the inner corner of your eye for 2 minutes. Repeat the same for the other eye if required.

Do not touch the tip of the container with your eyes, eyelids or areas around your eyes or fingers, to avoid contamination. Avoid wearing contact lenses while undergoing therapy for fungal eye infections. Eye ointments must be applied at last after using eye drops.

Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of therapy for you depending upon your age, body weight and severity of the infection. However, do not use NATAK for more than 7-10 days without consulting your doctor.

SIDE EFFECTS OF NATAK

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Eye pain, discomfort, or irritation:

Wash your eyes with plain cold water. Place an ice pack on your eye to ease the irritation. Avoid straining your eyes by looking at mobile phones, laptops, or television. Wear protective eyeglasses while going outdoors. If the irritation still persists, contact your doctor.

Blurred vision:

Close your eyes and relax. Do not strain your eyes by looking at mobile phones, laptops, or television. Avoid driving or operating heavy tools or machines while your vision is blurred. Consult your doctor if you experience blurred vision for a prolonged period.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

INTERACTIONS

A. Drug-Drug interactions:

Before using NATAK, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines such as:

• corticosteroids (used to manage pain and inflammation) Ex. dexamethasone

   Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally used more NATAK, rinse your eye with warm water. If still irritation persists, consult your doctor.

SYNOPSIS

MORE INFORMATION

• Keep NATAK out of reach of children
• Store NATAK at room temperature. Protect from direct sunlight
• Use the medicine within 30 days after its opening

FAQs ABOUT NATAK

Can the use of NATAK cause blurred vision?

Yes. NATAK may cause blurred vision after application. If your vision becomes blurred, close your eyes for some time and rest. Do not strain your eyes by looking at mobile phones, laptops, or television. Avoid driving or operating any heavy tools or machines while your vision is blurred. Consult your doctor if you experience blurred vision for a prolonged period.

Can I use other eye medicines while using NATAK?

Yes. You can use other eye medicines while undergoing therapy with NATAK. But make sure to leave a time gap of at least 5 minutes before applying other eye drops or ointment. Always apply eye ointment after using eye drops.

How to use NATAK?

Use NATAK as advised by your physician. It is for ophthalmic use only. Instil a few drops of the medicine into the affected eye(s). Close your eyes and press the corner of your eye with your finger for a minute. Repeat the same for the other eye if required.

What is the use of NATAK?

NATAK is a prescription medicine used to manage fungal infections of the eye.

How long does it take for [GBNKRYWORD] to work?

Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of therapy for you depending upon your age, body weight and severity of the infection. However, do not use NATAK for more than 7-10 days without consulting your doctor.

What are the side effects of NATAK?

NATAK is generally safe and well tolerated. It may cause eye pain, discomfort or irritation, blurred vision, or increased tear production which is usually mild and lasts only for a few minutes after application. However, consult your doctor if they trouble you.

Can I use NATAK while wearing contact lenses?

No. Avoid wearing contact lenses while undergoing therapy for fungal eye infections.

Can I stop using NATAK without consulting my doctor?

Do not stop using NATAK without consulting your doctor, as the infection may increase once again and become uncontrollable. If you think that you are feeling better or if you wish to stop using NATAK, contact your doctor for advice.

Can I drive or ride a bike after using NATAK?

Do not drive if you experience blurred vision after using NATAK.

What if I miss a dose of NATAK?

If you missed a dose of NATAK, apply it as soon as you remember. However, if it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and use the regular dose. Do not use a double dose of NATAK to compensate for the missed dose.

How NATAK works?

NATAK effectively controls fungal infections within the eye. It binds to the fungal cell wall and disrupts the fungal cell membrane by blocking the production of certain chemicals (ergosterol) within the cell that is required for its survival. As a result, it stops the fungal cell from multiplication, thereby preventing the further spread of infection.

REFERENCES

1. Jeffrey D. Henderer and Christopher J. Rapuno. Ocular Pharmacology. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological basics of Therapeutics. 11th Edition. New York McGraw Hill Medical 2011. Page – 1718.
2. Sheng Qiu, Gui-Qiu Zhao, Jing Lin, Xue Wang, Li-Ting Hu, Zhao-Dong Du, Qian Wang, and Cheng-Cheng Zhu. Natamycin in the management of fungal keratitis: a systematic review and Meta-analysis. NCBI; PMC US National Library of Medicine, National Institute of Health. June 2015. [Accessed on 5th September 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4458670/
3. Eyevance pharmaceuticals. Natacyn Ophthalmic Suspension (Natamycin). [Revised in April 2021] [Accessed on 5th September 2022] https://myhealthbox.eu/en/view/3987506/b680109bee264476ddcd4ede9beb1172/leaflet
4. Alcon Laboratories, Inc. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. [Revised in May 2008] [Accessed on 5th September 2022] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2008/050514s009lbl.pdf