What is the most important information I should know about bacitracin ophthalmic?
Before using bacitracin ophthalmic, tell your doctor if you have any type of viral or fungal infection in your eye. Bacitracin is for treating only bacterial infections.
Do not use any other eye medications unless your doctor has prescribed them.
Bacitracin ophthalmic can cause temporary blurred vision. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be able to see clearly.
Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Bacitracin will not treat a viral or fungal infection of the eye.
Do not allow the tip of the ointment tube to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.
What is bacitracin ophthalmic?
Bacitracin is an antibiotic that kills bacteria.
Bacitracin ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat bacterial infections of the eyes.
Bacitracin ophthalmic may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using bacitracin ophthalmic?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to bacitracin.
Before using bacitracin ophthalmic, tell your doctor if you have any type of viral or fungal infection in your eye. Bacitracin is for treating only bacterial infections.
FDA pregnancy category B. Bacitracin ophthalmic is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether bacitracin ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I use bacitracin ophthalmic?
Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Wash your hands before using bacitracin ophthalmic ointment.
You may warm the ointment by holding the medicine tube in your hand for a few minutes before use. Tilt your head back slightly and pull down gently on your lower eyelid. Apply a thin film of the ointment into your lower eyelid. Close your eye and roll your eyeball around for 1 to 2 minutes.
Do not allow the tip of the ointment tube to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.
Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Bacitracin will not treat a viral or fungal infection of the eye.
Store bacitracin ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the tube tightly capped when not in use.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the medication as soon as you remember the missed dose. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
An overdose of bacitracin ophthalmic is not likely to occur.
What should I avoid while using bacitracin ophthalmic?
Do not use any other eye medications unless your doctor has prescribed them.
Bacitracin ophthalmic can cause temporary blurred vision. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be able to see clearly.
What are the possible side effects of bacitracin ophthalmic?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Less serious side effects may include temporary blurred vision.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect bacitracin ophthalmic?
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on bacitracin ophthalmic used in the eyes. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about bacitracin ophthalmic.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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