Introduction
Amphoteric macrolide antifungal antibiotic from Streptomyces natalensis or S. chattanoogensis. It is used for a variety of fungal infections, mainly topically. [PubChem]
Uses
Natamycin is a macrolide antifungal used to treat fungal infections of the eye.
For the treatment of fungal blepharitis, conjunctivitis, and keratitis caused by susceptible organisms including Fusarium solani keratitis.
Associated Conditions
Pharmacodynamics
Natamycin is an antifungal drug for topical ophthalmic administration. It is a tetraene polyene antibiotic derived from Streptomyces natalensis. It possesses in vitro activity against a variety of yeast and filamentous fungi, including Candida, Aspergillus, Cephalosporium, Fusarium and Penicillium. Although the activity against fungi is dose-related, natamycin is predominantly fungicidal. Natamycin is not effective in vitro against gram-positive or gram-negative bacteria. Topical administration appears to produce effective concentrations of natamycin within the corneal stroma but not in intraocular fluid.
Mechanism of Action
Like other polyene antibiotics, Natamycin inhibits fungal growth by binding to sterols. Specifically, Natamycin binds to ergosterol in the plasma membrane, preventing ergosterol-dependent fusion of vacuoles, as well as membrane fusion and fission. This differs from the mechanism of most other polyene antibiotics, which tend to work by altering fungal membrane permeability instead.
Absorption
Systemic absorption should not be expected following topical administration, and as with other polyene antibiotics, absorption from the gastrointestinal tract is very poor.
Food Interactions
No interactions found.
Dosage
For fungal blepharitis & conjunctivitis: 1 drop 4-6 times daily may be sufficient.
Pediatric use: Safety and effectiveness in paediatric patients have not been established.
