This medication is used to relieve dry, irritated eyes.
Common causes for dry eyes include wind, sun, heating/air conditioning,
computer use/reading, and certain medications.
This product may contain 1 or more of the following
ingredients: carboxymethylcellulose, dextran, glycerin, hypromellose,
polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400), polysorbate, polyvinyl alcohol,
povidone, or propylene glycol, among others.
Eye lubricants keep the eye moist, help to protect the
eye from injury and infection, and decrease symptoms of dry eyes such as
burning, itching, and feeling as if something is in the
eye.
Follow all directions on the product package. If your
doctor has prescribed this medication, use this medication in the affected
eye(s) as directed by your doctor. If you have any questions, ask your
doctor or pharmacist.
Do not use a solution that has changed color or is
cloudy. Certain brands (containing glycerin with polysorbates, among other
ingredients) may have a milky appearance. This is okay as long as the
solution does not change color. Some eye drops need to be shaken before
use. Check the label to see if you should shake your product before
using.
To apply eye ointment/drops/gels: Wash hands first. To
avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or the tube tip of the
ointment or let it touch your eye or any other surface. Always replace the
cap tightly after each use. Tilt your head back, look up, and pull down the
lower eyelid to make a pouch. For drops/gels, place the dropper directly
over the eye and squeeze out 1 or 2 drops as needed. Look down and gently
close your eye for 1 or 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of the
eye near the nose and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the
medication from draining away from the eye. For an ointment, hold the tube
directly over the eye and gently squeeze a small strip (one-fourth of an
inch or roughly 6 millimeters) of ointment into the pouch. Release the
eyelid, close the eye, and slowly roll your eye in all directions to spread
the medication. Blot away any extra ointment from around the eye with a
clean tissue.
If you are also using another kind of eye medication
(such as drops or ointments), wait at least 5 minutes before applying other
medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the eye drops to
enter the eye.
Wait several minutes for your vision to clear before
driving or operating machinery.
If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using
most kinds of eye lubricants. Ask your doctor or pharmacist when you may
replace your contact lenses. There are a few types of eye lubricants (some
that contain polysorbates) that can be used while wearing contact lenses.
Check the package to see if you can wear your contact lenses while using
your product.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse
after 3 days.
Vision may be temporarily blurred when this product is
first used. Also, minor burning/stinging/irritation may temporarily occur.
If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication,
remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater
than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not
have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- eye pain
- change in vision
- continued eye redness/irritation
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using this product, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic
reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
If you have any health problems, consult your doctor or
pharmacist before using this product.
After you apply this product, your vision may become
temporarily blurred. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs
clear vision until you can do it safely.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone
has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble
breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US
residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call
1-844-764-7669.
Some products contain preservatives that may damage
contact lenses or cause irritation in persons with allergies. For more
information, check your product package or talk with your health care
professional.
This medication is usually used only as
needed.
Refer to storage information printed on the package. If
you have any questions about storage, ask your pharmacist. Keep all
medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.