Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. This medicine is not for long-term use.

To use the eye ointment:

  • First, wash your hands.
  • Tilt the head back and, pressing your finger gently on the skin just beneath the lower eyelid, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to make a space.
  • Squeeze a thin strip of ointment into this space. A ½-inch strip of ointment is usually enough, unless you have been told by your doctor to use a different amount. Let go of the eyelid and gently close the eyes. Keep the eyes closed for 1 or 2 minutes to allow the medicine to come into contact with the infection.
  • To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including the eye). After using the eye ointment, wipe the tip of the ointment tube with a clean tissue and keep the tube tightly closed.

To use the eye drops:

  • First, wash your hands. Then tilt the head back and pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Drop the medicine into the pouch and gently close the eyes. Do not blink. Keep the eyes closed for 1 or 2 minutes to allow the medicine to come into contact with the infection.
  • If you think you did not get the drop of medicine into your eyes properly, repeat the directions with another drop.
  • To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including the eye). Also, keep the container tightly closed.

To help clear up your eye infection completely, keep using the medicine for the full time of treatment, even if your symptoms have disappeared and if you feel better after the few doses. Do not miss any doses.

If you are using contact lenses, remove them first before using this medicine.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For ophthalmic dosage form (ointment):
    • For bacterial conjunctivitis:
      • Adults and children 2 years of age and older—Use a ½-inch strip of eye ointment in each eye 3 times a day for the first two days, then use a ½-inch strip of eye ointment in each eye 2 times a day for the next 5 days.
      • Infants and children up to 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For ophthalmic dosage form (solution):
    • For bacterial conjunctivitis:
      • Adults and children—Put 1 or 2 drops in the affected eye every 2 hours, while awake, for 2 days. Then, put 1 or 2 drops in the affected eye every 4 hours, while awake, for the next 5 days.
    • For corneal ulcers:
      • Adults and children—
        • Day 1: Put 2 drops in the affected eye every 15 minutes for the first 6 hours, and then 2 drops in the affected eye every 30 minutes for the rest of the day, while awake.
        • Day 2: Put 2 drops in the affected eye every hour, while awake.
        • Days 3 through 14: Put 2 drops in the affected eye every 4 hours, while awake.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage

Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

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