Natamycin

Written By Dr. Anuj Saini

Reviewed By Dr. Rajeev Sharma

Last updated 28 Mar 2025 | 04:54 AM (UTC)

Natamycin Uses

Natamycin is used in the treatment of fungal infections of eye, severe fungal infections and kala-azar.

How Natamycin works

Natamycin is an antifungal medication. It kills fungi by destroying the fungal cell membrane.

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Medicine brands for Natamycin

Natamet

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd

Pharmtak Ophtalmics India Pvt Ltd

₹99 to ₹99

1 variant(s)

Nataaid

Nri Vision Care India Limited

Nri Vision Care India Limited

₹112 to ₹112

1 variant(s)

Netlavision

Swastik Life Sciences

Elder Pharmaceuticals Ltd

₹46 to ₹46

1 variant(s)

Expert advice for Natamycin

Natamycin should be used as per dose and duration suggested by the doctor.
Apply pressure on the corner of the eye (close to the nose) for about 1 minute immediately after instilling the drop.
Wait for at least 5-10 minutes before delivering the next medication in the same eye to avoid dilution.
Remove contact lenses before using Natamycin and allow at least 15 minutes before re-inserting them.
It may cause short term blurring of vision when first used. Use caution before driving or using machines.
Consult your doctor if the symptoms get worse or do not get better within 2 weeks of treatment.

Frequently asked questions for Natamycin

Q. Does Natamycin cause cancer?

Natamycin has no known effects on causing cancers

Q. Where does Natamycin come from?

Natamycin is an antibiotic derived from Streptomyces natalensis

Q. How does Natamycin work?

Natamycin belongs to a class of medicines called tetraene polyene antibiotic. Natamycin binds to the fungal cell wall, alters the permeability of the cell wall and causes depletion of the cellular contents; thereby reducing growth and proliferation of fungi

Q. Why Natamycin does not affect bacteria?

The mechanism of action of Natamycin is through binding of the molecule to the sterol moiety of the fungal cell membrane. Since bacterial cell wall doesn't contain sterol moiety, it doesn't affect bacteria.