Bacitracin Ophthalmic
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.
🔔 How should this medicine be used?
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 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.
