Framycetin Eye Preparations

About Framycetin Eye Preparations

This belongs to the group of medicines known as anti-infective eye preparations.

Framycetin is used to treat bacterial infections of the eye, such as conjunctivitis

Framycetin is available in drop and eye ointment form.

It is also sometimes known as: Soframycin. You may notice the use of either of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before using Framycetin Eye Preparations

Before using Framycetin make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you wear soft contact lenses
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking or using any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines

How to use Framycetin Eye Preparations

Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.

If the eye(s) have an obvious discharge or 'crust' they may be bathed with boiled and cooled water before treating with Framycetin.

EYE DROPS:

1. Wash your hands well before use
2. Remove the outer cap
3. Tilt the head back and pull the lower lid of the eye down to form a pocket
4. Hold the container between the thumb and middle finger of the other hand; turn the container upside down near to the eye, try not to touch the eye
5. Apply enough pressure to the container to release one to two drops
6. Close the eye, and keep it closed for one to two minutes
7. If you think that you have missed the eye, then insert another drop
8. Repeat in the other eye if you have been instructed to use this preparation in both eyes
9. Replace the outer cap on the container, try not to touch the applicator tip with the fingers as you do so
10. Wash your hands

EYE OINTMENT:

1. Wash your hands well before use
2. Remove the outer cap
3. Tilt the head back and pull the lower lid of the eye down to form a pocket
4. Hold the container between the thumb and middle finger of the other hand; turn the container upside down near to the eye, try not to touch the eye
5. Apply enough pressure to the container to release a thin line of ointment along the inside of the lower eye lid
6. Blink to spread the ointment around the inside of the eye
7. Repeat in the other eye if you have been instructed to use Framycetin in both eyes
8. Replace the outer cap on the container, try not to touch the applicator tip with the fingers as you do so
9. Wash your hands

Getting the most from your treatment

• Use Framycetin Eye Preparations exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
• At first, the drops should be applied every two hours. As the infection improves, you can reduce this frequency down to four times a day.
• If using eye ointment alone, it should be applied three or four times a day.
• Your doctor may have prescribed drops to be used during the day and ointment for use at night.
• Do not wear soft contact lenses while your eyes are being treated with Framycetin.
• If you are using any other eye drops or eye ointments, leave at least five minutes between applying each preparation.
• Try not to miss doses. If you do miss a dose, then apply the missed dose as soon as possible.
• When the eye appears normal again, there may still be some bacteria present. It is important to continue using Framycetin for a further 48 hours after the eye appears normal, to ensure that all of the bacteria have been killed.
• Do not use more often, or for a longer period than your doctor has directed.
• If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
• Strict attention to hygiene and cleanliness is important to prevent the infection spreading.
• Be careful to use separate towels to other members of your household.
• If only one eye is infected care must be taken to avoid spreading the infection from one eye to the other.
• Eye infections can cause the eyes to become more sensitive to sunlight. Wearing dark glasses may help prevent this.
• This preparation are for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
• Framycetin Eye Preparations are for external use only. If you suspect someone has swallowed any, contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.

Can Framycetin Eye Preparations cause problems?

When first applied, Framycetin drops or ointment may cause blurred vision. Make sure you can see clearly before you drive, operate machinery or do any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were unable to see properly.

Framycetin is unlikely to cause any side effects. If however, your condition becomes worse or if you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this preparation ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

How to store Framycetin Eye Preparations

• Keep out of reach of children
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat
• Discard this preparation four weeks after opening
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 24/06/2005