drug-information.ru

Visine A.C., |tetrahydrozoline-zinc ophthalmic

tetrahydrozoline-zinc ophthalmic

Generic Name: tetrahydrozoline-zinc ophthalmic (tet ra hye DRAW zah leen-ZINK off THAL mick)
Brand Names: Visine A.C.

What is tetrahydrozoline-zinc ophthalmic?

Tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic causes constriction of blood vessels in the eyes. It also decreases itching and irritation of the eyes.

Zinc is used as an astringent to gently clear proteins and mucous from the outer surface of the eye.

Tetrahydrozoline-zinc 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 tetrahydrozoline-zinc ophthalmic?

Apply light pressure to the inside corner of the eye (near the nose) after each drop to prevent the fluid from draining down the tear duct.

Do not use tetrahydrozoline-zinc ophthalmic if you have glaucoma, except under the direction of your doctor.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using tetrahydrozoline-zinc ophthalmic?

Do not use tetrahydrozoline-zinc ophthalmic if you have glaucoma, except under the direction 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 use tetrahydrozoline-zinc 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 tetrahydrozoline-zinc ophthalmic. Ask your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication. Tetrahydrozoline-zinc ophthalmic contains a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), which may cause discoloration of contact lenses.

How should I use tetrahydrozoline-zinc ophthalmic?

Use tetrahydrozoline-zinc ophthalmic eye drops 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.

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying tetrahydrozoline-zinc ophthalmic. Ask your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication. Tetrahydrozoline-zinc ophthalmic contains a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), which may cause discoloration of contact lenses.

To apply the eye drops:

• Tilt the head back slightly and pull down on the lower eyelid. Position the dropper above the eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close the eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of the eye (near the nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down the tear duct. If you are using more than one drop in the same eye, repeat the process with about 5 minutes between drops. Repeat the process in the other eye if needed.

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 tetrahydrozoline-zinc ophthalmic?

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying tetrahydrozoline-zinc ophthalmic. Ask your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication. Tetrahydrozoline-zinc ophthalmic contains a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), which may cause discoloration of contact lenses.

Tetrahydrozoline-zinc ophthalmic side effects

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop using tetrahydrozoline-zinc 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 tetrahydrozoline-zinc 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 tetrahydrozoline-zinc ophthalmic?

Do not use other eye medications during treatment with tetrahydrozoline-zinc ophthalmic except under the direction of your doctor.

Although drug interactions between tetrahydrozoline-zinc 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 tetrahydrozoline-zinc 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 tetrahydrozoline-zinc 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 tetrahydrozoline-zinc ophthalmic written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Tetrahydrozoline-zinc ophthalmic is available over the counter under the brand name Visine A.C. Other brand or generic formulations of this medication 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.