provider image
Welcome! You’re in GoodRx for healthcare professionals. Now, you’ll enjoy a streamlined experience created specifically for healthcare professionals.
Skip to main content

Natacyn

natamycin
Used for Eye Inflammation, Eye Infection
Used for Eye Inflammation, Eye Infection

Natacyn, the brand name for natamycin, is an eye drop that's used for treating fungal eye infections in adults. It's an antifungal medication that works to get rid of the fungus causing the infection. The eye drops are put in the affected eye usually several times a day. But the dosing will depend on your specific eye infection. Potential side effects include eye discomfort and eye redness.

Last reviewed on December 17, 2024
basics-icon

What is Natacyn (natamycin)?

What is Natacyn (natamycin) used for?

Fungal eye infections:

How Natacyn (natamycin) works

Natacyn (natamycin) is a type of antifungal medication. It works by damaging the protective covering of the fungus that's causing the infection. This kills the fungus.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsNatacyn
Drug ClassAntifungal
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
coupon-save-icon

Get your GoodRx coupon

Avg retail price
$1120.40(save 16.25%)
GoodRx discount
$938.35
See prices
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Natacyn (natamycin)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Please see "Other Side Effects."

Other Side Effects

  • Eye discomfort
  • Eye swelling
  • Eye redness
  • Eye irritation
  • Eye pain
  • Watery eye
  • Cloudy eye surface
  • Feeling like there's something in your eye
  • Change in vision
  • Pins and needles sensation
  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Allergic reaction

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Eye irritation, redness, or swelling not present before use of this medicine

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Natacyn (natamycin)

thumbs-up

Pros

Causes few side effects

thumbs-down

Cons

Used many times a day, especially during the first few days of treatment or for more serious infections

Can take a few weeks to treat certain infections fully

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Natacyn (natamycin)

pharmacist
  • Be sure to use Natacyn (natamycin) for the full amount of time your prescriber instructs you to, even if your eye starts to get better. Stopping Natacyn (natamycin) too soon can cause your infection to come back and be harder to treat.

    • Call your prescriber if your eye infection doesn't get any better after several days of using Natacyn (natamycin). This could be a sign that it isn't the right treatment for your infection. Natacyn (natamycin) only works for fungal eye infections. You'll need a different medication if your infection is caused by bacteria or a virus.

      • Shake the Natacyn (natamycin) bottle well before each time you use the eye drops. This makes sure the medication is mixed evenly for each dose.

        • Wash your hands before you put Natacyn (natamycin) drops in your eye(s). Don't let the dropper tip touch your eye or to any other surface. And don't touch the dropper tip with your hands. This will help avoid spreading germs to the medication. It also helps prevent other germs from getting into your eye.

          • After you've placed a drop of Natacyn (natamycin) in your eye, close your eye and lightly press one finger to the inner corner of your eye by the nose for 1 minute. This helps make sure all the medication gets absorbed into your eye instead of draining into your nose. Wash your hands with soap and water afterwards.

            • If you need to use other eye medications in addition to Natacyn (natamycin), wait at least 5 minutes between each drop to give your eye(s) time to absorb each medication. Use any eye drop medications first, wait 5 minutes, and then apply any eye gels or eye ointments.

              • Don't wear contact lenses while you're using Natacyn (natamycin). In general, it's best not to wear contacts while you have an eye infection since it can affect how quickly your symptoms improve. Be sure to throw away the contacts you were wearing before you started using Natacyn (natamycin) because they most likely have germs on them. Wear new contacts once your infection has cleared up.

                • Store Natacyn (natamycin) at room temperature (between 36 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit). Make sure to put the medication in a location where it won't get wet and where it's protected from light and extreme heat.

                  faqs

                  Frequently asked questions about Natacyn (natamycin)

                  Is Natacyn (natamycin) an antibiotic?
                  No, Natacyn (natamycin) isn't an antibiotic. Antibiotics usually refer to medications that kill bacteria or stop bacteria from growing. Natacyn (natamycin) is an antifungal medication, so it doesn't work for bacterial infections.
                  Is Natacyn (natamycin) over the counter?
                  No, Natacyn (natamycin) isn't available over the counter. This antifungal eye drop medication requires a prescription from a healthcare professional.
                  Is there a generic for Natacyn (natamycin)?
                  No, there's no generic for Natacyn (natamycin) available at this time. It's only available as a brand-name medication.
                  Who makes Natacyn (natamycin)?
                  The pharmaceutical company Harrow, Inc. currently makes Natacyn (natamycin).
                  How long will I need to use Natacyn (natamycin)?
                  Follow your prescriber's instructions carefully for how long you should use Natacyn (natamycin). You might need to use this medication for a few weeks, and until all of your symptoms are better. Don't stop using Natacyn (natamycin) before your prescriber tells you to. Otherwise, it might cause your eye infection to come back or become harder to treat.
                  Does Natacyn (natamycin) need to be refrigerated?
                  No, you can keep Natacyn (natamycin) at room temperature (up to 75 degrees Fahrenheit). Don't freeze the eye drops because this could damage the medication.
                  GoodRxEducationalIcon

                  How to save using GoodRx

                  Compare Prices
                  1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.
                  Select your free coupon
                  2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.
                  Show coupon to your pharmacist
                  3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.
                  Get free couponLearn more
                  warings-icon

                  What are the risks and warnings for Natacyn (natamycin)?

                  Natacyn (natamycin) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                  risk-warning

                  Use with appropriate tests and follow-up

                  It's important to follow up with your prescriber regularly to make sure that your eye infection is healing appropriately with Natacyn (natamycin) treatment. It gives your prescriber an idea of how long you need to continue to use the eye drops or whether you need to switch to a more appropriate medication. For example, a corneal infection that doesn't improve after you've used Natacyn (natamycin) for 7 to 10 days is a sign that you might need a different medication. You might need additional tests to figure out which treatment is best for you.

                  risk-warning

                  Medication buildup around the eye

                  You might notice some of the Natacyn (natamycin) eye drop medication building up over an eye ulcer. Buildup of the medication can also happen along the top or bottom edges of the eye. This is normal, but let your prescriber know if it's irritating or affecting your vision.

                  dosage

                  Natacyn (natamycin) dosage forms

                  The average cost for 1 eye dropper of 15ml of 5% of Natacyn (natamycin) is $938.35 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 16.25% off the average retail price of $1120.40.
                  eye dropper
                  Eye dropper
                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                  15ml of 5%1 eye dropper$938.35$938.35

                  Typical dosing for Natacyn (natamycin)

                  • Blepharitis (eyelid infection) or conjunctivitis (pink eye): The typical dose is to place 1 drop in the affected eye(s) 4 to 6 times a day.

                  • Keratitis (cornea infection): The typical dose is to place 1 drop in the affected eye(s) every 1 to 2 hours. After 3 to 4 days, your prescriber might lower your dose to 1 drop in the affected eye(s) 6 to 8 times a day. The eye drops are generally used for 2 to 3 weeks or until the eye infection heals.

                  interactions

                  Interactions between Natacyn (natamycin) and other drugs

                  Natacyn (natamycin) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Natacyn (natamycin). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                  Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

                  drug-cost

                  How much does Natacyn (natamycin) cost?

                  To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.View prices & coupons

                  Get savings updates for Natacyn (natamycin)

                  Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Natacyn (natamycin) and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.

                  By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.

                  References

                  Best studies we found

                  Díaz-Tomé, V., et al. (2022). Antifungal combination eye drops for fungal keratitis treatment. Pharmaceutics.

                  Eyevance Pharmaceuticals, LLC. (2024). Natacyn- natamycin suspension/ drops [package insert]. DailyMed.

                  Harrow, Inc. (2023). Harrow acquires Santen’s branded ophthalmic portfolio. Business Wire.

                  View All References (3)

                  National Eye Institute. (2024). How to put in eye drops.

                  Nyawira, M., et al. (2023). How to use your eye medication. Community Eye Health.

                  SafeMedication. (n.d.). How to use eye drops.

                  GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
                  Was this page helpful?

                  Browse medications

                  View All

                  Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.