tetrahydrozoline and zinc ophthalmic

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Pronunciation: TET ra hye DROZ oh leen and ZINK off THAL mik

Brand: Irritation & Redness Relief, Visine A.C., Visine Multi-Symptom Relief, Visine Totality

What is the most important information I should know about tetrahydrozoline and zinc ophthalmic?

Tetrahydrozoline and zinc ophthalmic is for temporary relief of minor eye irritation, or to clear mucus build-up from the surface of the eye.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have ongoing or worsening eye redness, eye pain, or vision changes.

What is tetrahydrozoline and zinc ophthalmic?

Tetrahydrozoline is a vasoconstrictor. It works by narrowing swollen blood vessels in the eyes to reduce eye redness.

Zinc is a mineral that is used as an astringent to gently clear proteins and mucus from the outer surface of the eye.

Tetrahydrozoline and zinc ophthalmic (for the eyes) is a combination medicine used to relieve eye redness and discomfort caused by minor eye irritation.

Tetrahydrozoline and zinc ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

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

You should not use tetrahydrozoline and zinc ophthalmic if you are allergic to it.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if you have other medical conditions, especially:

  • glaucoma;
  • heart disease, high blood pressure;
  • diabetes;
  • a thyroid disorder; or
  • an eye injury or infection.

It is not known whether tetrahydrozoline and zinc ophthalmic will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether tetrahydrozoline and zinc ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use tetrahydrozoline and zinc ophthalmic?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Using the medication too long or too often may worsen your symptoms and cause damage to the blood vessels in your eyes.

Wash your hands before using the eye drops.

To apply the eye drops:

  • Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop.
  • Close your eye and gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about 1 minute, to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.
  • Use only the number of drops recommended.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since tetrahydrozoline and zinc ophthalmic is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are on a schedule, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of tetrahydrozoline and zinc ophthalmic is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. Certain eye medications can cause serious medical problems in a young child who accidentally sucks on or swallows medicine from the eye dropper.

What should I avoid while using tetrahydrozoline and zinc ophthalmic?

Do not use this medication while wearing contact lenses. Tetrahydrozoline and zinc ophthalmic may contain a preservative that can discolor soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using this medicine before putting in your contact lenses.

What are the possible side effects of tetrahydrozoline and zinc ophthalmic?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using tetrahydrozoline and zinc ophthalmic and call your doctor at once if you have:

  • ongoing or worsening eye redness;
  • eye pain;
  • changes in your vision;
  • chest pain, fast or uneven heart rate; or
  • severe headache, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, or feeling short of breath.

Common side effects may include:

  • mild burning or stinging of the eye;
  • blurred vision, watery eyes; or
  • dilated pupils.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect tetrahydrozoline and zinc ophthalmic?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on tetrahydrozoline and zinc used in the eyes. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about tetrahydrozoline and zinc ophthalmic.

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.

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