tetrahydrozoline and zinc ophthalmic
What is the most important information I should know about tetrahydrozoline and zinc ophthalmic?
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Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye. |
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 tetrahydrozoline and zinc ophthalmic before putting your contact lenses in.
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Do not use this medication for longer than 72 hours in a row without a doctor's advice. Long-term use of tetrahydrozoline and zinc ophthalmic could damage the blood vessels in your eyes. Contact your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse while using this medication. |
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If you have glaucoma, do not use tetrahydrozoline and zinc ophthalmic without medical advice. |
Stop using this medication and call your doctor if you have severe burning, stinging, eye pain, or other irritation after using the eye drops, or if you have vision changes, worsening eye redness or irritation, or dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats, seizure).
What is tetrahydrozoline and zinc ophthalmic?
Tetrahydrozoline causes constriction (narrowing) 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 mucus from the outer surface of the eye.
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The combination of tetrahydrozoline and zinc ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to relieve eye redness, burning, irritation, and itching caused by airborne irritants such as pollen, dust, and ragweed. |
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?
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If you have narrow-angle glaucoma, do not use tetrahydrozoline and zinc ophthalmic without medical advice. |
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if you have:
- heart disease;
- high blood pressure;
- asthma; or
- glaucoma.
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It is not known whether tetrahydrozoline and zinc is harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without medical advice if you are pregnant. |
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It is not known whether tetrahydrozoline and zinc passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. |
How should I use tetrahydrozoline and zinc ophthalmic?
Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.
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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 tetrahydrozoline and zinc ophthalmic before putting your contact lenses in. |
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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 dropper tip down. Look up and away from the dropper as you squeeze out a drop, then close your eye.
- Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed.
- Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct. If you use more than one drop in the same eye, wait about 5 minutes before putting in the next drop.
- Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.
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Do not use this medication for longer than 72 hours in a row without a doctor's advice. Long-term use of tetrahydrozoline and zinc ophthalmic could damage the blood vessels in your eyes. Contact your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse while using this medication. |
Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or looks cloudy. Call your doctor for a new prescription.
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Store at room temperature away from heat and moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. |
What happens if I overdose?
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Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. |
An overdose of tetrahydrozoline and zinc used in the eyes is not likely to occur unless you use too much and your body absorbs the medication. Overdose symptoms may include increased eye redness, pinpoint pupils, dilated pupils, nausea, vomiting, fast heart rate, feeling restless or irritable, weak or shallow breathing, tremors, or seizure (convulsions).
What are the possible side effects of tetrahydrozoline and zinc ophthalmic?
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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. |
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Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as: |
- severe burning, stinging, or other irritation after using the eye drops;
- eye pain;
- vision changes;
- worsening eye redness or irritation; or
- dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats, seizure).
Less serious side effects may include:
- slight tingling in the eyes;
- tearing or blurred vision; or
- temporarily blurred vision.
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.
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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