Type of medicine: antibiotic; corticosteroid
Generic and brand names: oxytetracycline and hydrocortisone, ophthalmic; Terra-Cortril Suspension
This medicine, in the form of eyedrops, is used to treat inflammation when infection may also be present or could develop.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have:
Females of childbearing age: This medicine is not usually given to pregnant women because it can harm the baby. If you are pregnant, tell your healthcare provider. Do not become pregnant during treatment with this medicine. If you become pregnant, contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not breast-feed while you are using this medicine.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Use the drops exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. Do not use more drops or use them more often than directed. Use the medicine until your healthcare provider tells you to stop.
Wash your hands thoroughly before applying medicine to your eyes. Shake the bottle well before using the drops. 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 dropper touch your eye or any other surface. Do not rinse the dropper. After use, put the cap on tightly. Do not use the medicine if it becomes discolored.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
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.
Do not use this medicine for other eye conditions unless your healthcare provider approves. Do not share eye medicine with others.
Contact your healthcare provider if your eyes do not get better in a few days or if they get worse.
This medicine may cause your eyes to sting or burn. Also, your vision may be blurred for a short time right after you use the medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you can see clearly.
If you wear contact lenses, ask your healthcare provider if you can continue to wear them while you are using this medicine.
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 right away): Any new redness, irritation, or swelling; severe eye pain.
Other: Stinging or burning in your eyes, eyelid itching, blurred vision, watery eyes, feeling that something is in the eye.
No significant drug interactions have been reported. However, be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you are using any other eye medicines. You may need to allow some time between applications of the different medicines.
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 it 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.
