Ocuclear
Generic Name: oxymetazoline ophthalmic (ok see meh TAH zoe leen)
Brand Names: Ocuclear, Visine L.R., Visine Long Lasting
What is Ocuclear (oxymetazoline ophthalmic)?
Oxymetazoline ophthalmic causes constriction of blood vessels in the eyes. It also decreases
itching and irritation of the eyes.
Oxymetazoline ophthalmic is used to relieve redness, burning, irritation, and dryness of
the eye caused by wind, sun, and other minor irritants.
Oxymetazoline ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Ocuclear (oxymetazoline ophthalmic)?
Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is
sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.
If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying oxymetazoline ophthalmic. Ask
your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication. Oxymetazoline
ophthalmic may contain a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), which may cause discoloration of
contact lenses.
Do not use oxymetazoline ophthalmic more often or continuously for longer than 48 to
72 hours without consulting a doctor. Chronic use of this medication may damage the blood vessels
(veins and arteries) in the eyes. Consult a doctor if your symptoms do not improve or appear to
worsen.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Ocuclear (oxymetazoline ophthalmic)?
Do not use oxymetazoline ophthalmic if you have glaucoma, except under the
supervision of your doctor.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you
-
have any type of heart condition, including high blood pressure;
-
take any medicines to treat a heart condition;
-
have asthma;
-
have diabetes; or
-
have thyroid problems.
You may not be able to take oxymetazoline ophthalmic, or you may
require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions
listed above.
If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying oxymetazoline ophthalmic. Ask
your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication. Oxymetazoline
ophthalmic may contain a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), which may cause discoloration of
contact lenses.
Oxymetazoline ophthalmic is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is
not known whether oxymetazoline ophthalmic will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this
medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during
treatment.
It is not known whether oxymetazoline passes into breast milk. Do not use
oxymetazoline ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I use Ocuclear (oxymetazoline ophthalmic)?
Use oxymetazoline eyedrops exactly as directed by your doctor, or follow the directions that
accompany the package. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or
nurse to explain them to you.
Wash your hands before and after using the eyedrops.
If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying oxymetazoline ophthalmic. Ask
your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication. Oxymetazoline
ophthalmic may contain a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), which may cause discoloration of
contact lenses.
To apply the eyedrops:
Do not use oxymetazoline ophthalmic more often or continuously for
longer than 48 to 72 hours without consulting a doctor. Chronic use of this medication may damage
the blood vessels (veins and arteries) in the eyes. Consult a doctor if your symptoms do not improve
or appear to worsen.
Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is
sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.
Do not use any eyedrop that is discolored or has particles in it.
Store oxymetazoline ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Keep the bottle 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 the 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 be harmful. If you do suspect an overdose, or if
the drops have been ingested (taken by mouth), contact an emergency room or poison control center
for advice.
What should I avoid while using Ocuclear (oxymetazoline ophthalmic)?
Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is
sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.
If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying oxymetazoline ophthalmic. Ask
your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication. Oxymetazoline
ophthalmic may contain a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), which may cause discoloration of
contact lenses.
Do not use oxymetazoline ophthalmic more often or continuously for longer than 48 to
72 hours without consulting a doctor. Chronic use of this medication may damage the blood vessels
(veins and arteries) in the eyes. Consult a doctor if your symptoms do not improve or appear to
worsen.
Ocuclear (oxymetazoline ophthalmic) side effects
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop using oxymetazoline
ophthalmic and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
-
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat;
swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
-
an irregular or fast heart rate; or
-
high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, or
flushed skin).
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to
use oxymetazoline ophthalmic and talk to your doctor if you experience
-
burning, stinging, pain, or increased redness of the eye;
-
tearing or blurred vision;
-
headache;
-
tremor;
-
nausea;
-
sweating;
-
nervousness;
-
dizziness; or
-
drowsiness.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Ocuclear (oxymetazoline ophthalmic)?
Do not use other eye medications during treatment with oxymetazoline ophthalmic except
under the direction of your doctor.
Although drug interactions between oxymetazoline ophthalmic and drugs taken by mouth
are not expected, they can occur. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any
of the following medicines:
-
a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid
(Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), or phenelzine (Nardil); or
-
a beta-blocker such as propranolol (Inderal), metoprolol
(Lopressor, Toprol XL), or labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate).
You may not be able to use oxymetazoline ophthalmic, or you may
require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the
medicines listed above.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with oxymetazoline ophthalmic. Talk to
your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including
vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.
Where can I get more information?
-
Your pharmacist has additional information about oxymetazoline ophthalmic written for
health professionals that you may read.
What does my medication look like?
Oxymetazoline ophthalmic is available over-the-counter under the brand names OcuClear
and Visine L.R. in a 0.025% strength. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available.
Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.
-
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.
- Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date,
and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has
been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses
outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs,
diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare
practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the
expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in
no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum
does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The
information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic
reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Copyright 1996-2006 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 4.02. Revision Date: 2/13/04 4:06:09 PM.
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