Examples
Over-the-counter decongestant eyedrops
Over-the-counter antihistamine plus decongestant eyedrops
| naphazoline/pheniramine |
Naphcon-A , Opcon-A |
Over-the-counter antihistamine eyedrops
| ketotifen |
Alaway, Zaditor |
Prescription anti-inflammatory eyedrops
| ketorolac tromethamine |
Acular |
Prescription antihistamine eyedrops
| alcaftadine |
Lastacaft |
| epinastine |
Elestat |
| olopatadine |
Patanol |
Mast cell stabilizers
| cromolyn sodium |
Crolom |
| lodoxamide tromethamine |
Alomide |
How It Works
Eyedrops relieve the eyes of redness,
itching, and watering caused by allergies, or they reduce these
symptoms.
How Well It Works
Eyedrops often provide prompt
relief of itching and watering. How much relief you get depends on the type of
eyedrops you use.
Side Effects
All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.
Here are some important things to think about:
- Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
- Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
- If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Call your doctor if you have:
- Increase in eye irritation.
- Eye redness and swelling.
- Headache.
Common side effects of this medicine include:
- Stinging or burning of the eyes when
you first apply the drops.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug
Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Do not use decongestant eyedrops more than 3 days in a
row. Using these eyedrops for too long can cause congestion to occur when you
are not having an
allergic reaction. This effect is similar to the
rebound congestion of nasal decongestant
sprays. Decongestants may not be safe for young children or for people who have certain health problems. Before you use them, check the label.
Taking medicine
Medicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat a health problem. Taking medicine as your doctor suggests will improve your health and may prevent future problems. If you don't take your medicines properly, you may be putting your health (and perhaps your life) at risk.
There are many reasons why people have trouble taking their medicine. But in most cases, there is something you can do. For suggestions on how to work around common problems, see the topic Taking Medicines as Prescribed.
Advice for women
If you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant, do not use any medicines unless your doctor tells you to. Some medicines can harm your baby. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements. And make sure that all your doctors know that you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant.
Checkups
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
Credits
|
By
|
Healthwise Staff |
|
Primary Medical Reviewer
|
E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
|
Specialist Medical Reviewer
|
Rohit K Katial, MD - Allergy and Immunology |
|
Last Revised
|
June 30, 2011 |
