Uses of Ophthalmic Bacitracin
Ophthalmic bacitracin is used to treat bacterial infections of the eye. Bacitracin is in a class of medications called antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria that cause infections.
Side Effects of Ophthalmic Bacitracin
Bacitracin ophthalmic eye ointment may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- itching, stinging or burning of the eye
- Bacitracin eye ointment may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before using bacitracin ophthalmic eye ointment:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to bacitracin, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in bacitracin eye ointment. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any other eye medications.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using bacitracin eye ointment, call your doctor.
- you should know that your vision may be blurry for a short amount of time after using the eye ointment. Wait until you can see normally before you drive or do other activities that require good vision.
- tell your doctor if you wear soft contact lenses. You should not wear contact lenses if you have an eye infection.
Dosage
Ophthalmic bacitracin comes as an ointment to apply to the eyes. It is usually applied one to three times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use bacitracin eye ointment exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
You should expect your symptoms to improve during your treatment. Call your doctor if your symptoms get worse or do not go away, or if you develop other problems with your eyes during your treatment.
Use ophthalmic bacitracin until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. If you stop using ophthalmic bacitracin too soon, your infection may not be completely cured and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.
To use the eye ointment, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Use a mirror or have someone else apply the ointment.
- Avoid touching the tip of the tube against your eye or anything else. The ointment must be kept clean.
- Tilt your head forward slightly.
- Holding the tube between your thumb and index finger, place the tube as near as possible to your eyelid without touching it.
- Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your cheek or nose.
- With the index finger of your other hand, pull the lower lid of your eye down to form a pocket.
- Place a small amount of ointment into the pocket made by the lower lid and the eye. A 1/2 inch (1.25-centimeter) strip of ointment usually is enough unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
- Look downward, then gently close your eyes and keep them closed for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the medication to be absorbed.
- Replace and tighten the cap right away.
- Wipe off any excess ointment from your eyelids and lashes with a clean tissue. Do not rub your eyes, even if your vision is blurry. Wash your hands again.
If your doctor has told you to use bacitracin ophthalmic eye ointment to treat an infection on your eyelids, carefully wipe your eyelids with water to remove scales and crusts. Then spread a small amount of the ointment evenly over the affected eyelid areas.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
