Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

For patients using the ophthalmic suspension (eye drops) form of this medicine:

  • Always shake the container very well just before applying the eye drops.
  • To use:
    • 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. Drop the medicine into this space. Let go of the eyelid and gently close the eyes. Do not blink. Keep the eyes closed and apply pressure to the inner corner of the eye with your finger for 1 or 2 minutes to allow the medicine to be absorbed by the eye.
    • If you think you did not get the drop of medicine into your eye properly, use another drop.
    • To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including the eye). Always keep the container tightly closed.

For patients using the ophthalmic ointment form of this medicine:

  • To use:
    • 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 1/2-inch strip of ointment is usually enough. 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 irritation.
    • 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. Do not wash the tip with water. Always keep the tube tightly closed.

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 ointment dosage form:
    • For eye disorders:
      • Adults—Use about a 1/2-inch strip of ointment in the eye up to three or four times a day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For ophthalmic suspension (eye drops) dosage form:
    • For eye disorders:
      • Adults—Use 1 or 2 drops in the eye every four to six hours. Your doctor may have you use the drops more frequently during the first day or two and will probably have you space the doses farther apart as the eye gets better.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take 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. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

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