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What is the most important information I should know about bacitracin ophthalmic?

Contact your doctor if your symptoms begin to get worse or if you do not see any improvement in your condition after a few days.

Do not touch the tube opening to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The tube opening is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.

What is bacitracin ophthalmic?

Bacitracin is an antibiotic. It is used to treat bacterial infections.

The ophthalmic form of bacitracin is used to treat bacterial infections of the eyes.

Bacitracin ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not use bacitracin ophthalmic?

Do not use bacitracin ophthalmic if you have a viral or fungal infection in your eye. It is used to treat infections caused by bacteria only. Bacitracin ophthalmic is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not use bacitracin ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether bacitracin passes into breast milk. Do not use bacitracin ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use bacitracin ophthalmic?

Use bacitracin ophthalmic eye ointment exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Wash your hands before using your eye ointment.

To apply the ointment:

• Hold the tube in your hand for a few minutes to warm it up so that the ointment comes out easily. 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 in all directions for 1 to 2 minutes. If you are applying another eye medication, allow at least 10 minutes before your next application.

Do not touch the tube opening to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The tube opening is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye. Store bacitracin ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the tube properly capped.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of this medication is unlikely to occur. However, if you do suspect an overdose, wash the eye with water and call an emergency room or poison control center near you. If the ointment has been ingested, drink plenty of fluid and call an emergency center for advice.

What should I avoid while using bacitracin ophthalmic?

Do not touch the tube opening to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The tube opening is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye. Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Bacitracin ophthalmic may cause blurred vision. If you experience blurred vision, avoid these activities.

Use caution with contact lenses. Wear them only if your doctor approves. After applying this medication, wait at least 15 minutes before inserting contact lenses.

Avoid other eye medications unless your doctor approves.

What are the possible side effects of bacitracin ophthalmic?

Serious side effects are not expected with this medication.

Commonly, some burning, stinging, irritation, itching, redness, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light may occur. Continue to use bacitracin ophthalmic and talk to your doctor about any side effects that you experience.