Type of medicine: eye lubricants; artificial tears
Generic and brand names: artificial tears; Akwa Tears; Artificial Tears; Bion Tears; Celluvisc; Gen Teal; HypoTears; HypoTears PF; Isopto Tears; Lacri-Lube; Lacri-Lube S.O.P.; Liquifilm Tears; Moisture Eyes PM; Murine Tears; Muro 128; Nature's Tears; Nu-Tears; Nu-Tears II; OcuCoat; Preservative Free Moisture Eyes PM; Refresh; Refresh Plus; Refresh PM; Systane; Tears Again; Tears Naturale Free; Tears Naturale II; TheraTears; Ultra Tears; Visine Tears; Viva-Drops (There may be other brand names for this medicine.)
This product is used in the eyes to treat dry eyes. It comes as eyedrops or in ointment form. You can buy it without a prescription. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before using this medicine, talk with your healthcare provider if you have:
Females of childbearing age: Talk with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Use this medicine according to your healthcare provider's directions or the directions on the package label. The ointment is usually applied to the eyes at bedtime. The eyedrops may be used several times a day.
If you have contact lenses, remove them before using this medicine. Some eye medicines may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses.
If you have the ointment:
Wash your hands thoroughly before applying medicine to your eyes. Hold the tube of ointment in your hand for a minute or two to warm the ointment so it will flow easily. When you open the tube for the first time, squeeze out a little of the medicine and throw it away because it may be dry. Gently pull your lower eyelid down to form a pouch. Look up, and squeeze a 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch ribbon of ointment into the pouch. Close your eyes and roll them in all directions to spread the medicine around. Do not rub your eyes.
To keep from contaminating the ointment, do not let the tip of the tube touch your eye or any other surface. After use, wipe the tip with a clean tissue. Put the cap on tightly. Do not use any ointment that becomes dry or hard.
If you have the eyedrops:
Wash your hands thoroughly before applying medicine to your eyes. Tilt your head back, and gently pull your lower eyelid down to form a pouch. Hold the dropper directly above your eye, look up, and squeeze a drop of the medicine into the pouch. Close your eyes for a minute or two and with a fingertip press gently on the inside corner of your eye to keep the medicine from draining out. Do not rub your eyes.
To keep from contaminating the medicine, do not let the tip of the dropper touch your eye or any other surface. Do not rinse the dropper. Put the cap on tightly. Do not use the medicine if it becomes discolored or has particles in it.
An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.
Some eye medicines should not be used if you wear contact lenses. Read the product label carefully or talk to your eye healthcare provider or pharmacist before using artificial tears.
Your vision will be blurred for a little while after you use the ointment. Avoid activities that require good vision until you can see clearly.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider): Headache, eye pain, vision changes, continued redness or irritation of the eyes.
Other: Temporarily blurred vision, mild stinging or burning.
No significant drug interactions have been reported. However, if you are using other medicines in your eyes, use them at least 5 to 10 minutes apart.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
