Artificial Tears

(ar ti FISH il tears)

U.S. Brand Names

Akwa Tears® [OTC]; AquaSite® [OTC]; Bion® Tears [OTC]; HypoTears PF [OTC]; HypoTears [OTC]; Liquifilm® Tears [OTC]; Moisture® Eyes PM [OTC]; Moisture® Eyes [OTC]; Murine® Tears [OTC]; Murocel® [OTC]; Nature's Tears® [OTC]; Nu-Tears® II [OTC]; Nu-Tears® [OTC]; OcuCoat® PF [OTC]; OcuCoat® [OTC]; Puralube® Tears [OTC]; Refresh Plus® [OTC]; Refresh Tears® [OTC]; Refresh® [OTC]; Soothe® [OTC]; Systane® Free [OTC]; Systane® [OTC]; Teargen® II [OTC]; Teargen® [OTC]; Tearisol® [OTC]; Tears Again® [OTC]; Tears Naturale® Free [OTC]; Tears Naturale® II [OTC]; Tears Naturale® [OTC]; Tears Plus® [OTC]; Tears Renewed® [OTC]; Ultra Tears® [OTC]; Viva-Drops® [OTC]

Canadian Brand Names

Teardrops®

Pharmacologic Category

Ophthalmic Agent, Miscellaneous

Reasons not to take this medicine

• If you have an allergy to artificial tears or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to treat dry eyes and eye irritation.

How does it work?

• Artificial tears moisten the eyes.

How is it best taken?

• For the eye only.

• Take out contact lenses before using medicine. Lenses can be replaced 15 minutes after medicine is given. Do not put contacts back in if eyes are irritated or infected.

• Do not touch the container tip to the eye, lid, or other skin.

• Tilt head back and drop medicine into eye.

• After using medicine, keep your eyes closed. Apply pressure to the inside corner of the eye. Do this for 3-5 minutes. This keeps the medicine in your eye.

• Separate each eye medicine by 5 minutes.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Instill a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• This medicine is taken on an as needed basis.

• Many times this medicine is used on an as needed basis.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Do not use this medicine to treat contact lens irritation.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Blurred vision. Use caution when doing activities that require clear vision.

• Short-term discomfort after use.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Sudden change in vision, eye pain or irritation.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.

General statements

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.



Created: 2007-06-01 11:10:15.0

Modified: 2008-02-04 09:43:58.0

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