About antazoline and xylometazoline eye drops

Allergic conjunctivitis causes red, watery, itchy eyes. The common cause is an allergy to pollen in the hay fever season. Other causes are less common, such as allergies to house dust mite, cosmetics, and problems with contact lenses. These eye drops relieve the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis by blocking the action of a chemical called histamine, which is involved in the allergic reaction. They are available on prescription, or you can buy them at pharmacies, without a prescription.

Before using antazoline and xylometazoline eye drops

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you start using these eye drops it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you wear soft contact lenses.
• If you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
• If you have glaucoma (increased pressure in your eye).
• If the drops are intended for a child under 12 years of age. Antazoline and xylometazoline eye drops are not recommended for this age group.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to any eye drops.
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.

How to use antazoline and xylometazoline eye drops

• First wash your hands.
• Remove the cap from the bottle.
• Tilt your head back a little and pull the lower lid of your eye downwards to form a pocket.
• Hold the bottle upside down near to your eye. Try not to touch your eye as you do this.
• Apply enough pressure to the bottle to release one drop into your eye.
• Close your eye for a minute or two, and press gently on the side of your nose where the corner of your eye meets your nose. This helps to stop the drop from draining away and keeps it in your eye.
• Repeat the process in your other eye.
• Replace the cap.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before using these eye drops, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet. The leaflet will give you more information about antazoline and xylometazoline, and a full list of possible side-effects from using the drops.
• Use the drops two or three times each day into both eyes. Try to use the drops at regular intervals and try not to miss any doses. Do not use the drops for more than seven consecutive days.
• Take care not to touch your eye, fingers, or any other surface with the dropper of the bottle. This could contaminate the drops left in the bottle.
• When first put in, these eye drops may cause blurred vision. This should quickly clear, but make sure you can see properly before you drive, use machines or do any other jobs which would be dangerous if you were unable to see clearly.
• If your symptoms do not improve within two days, or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
• If you are using any other eye drops or ointments, leave about ten minutes between applying each one.
• Do not wear soft contact lenses while you are using these eye drops. This is because there is a preservative in the drops which may affect soft contact lenses.

Can antazoline and xylometazoline eye drops cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to these eye drops, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store antazoline and xylometazoline eye drops

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Eye drops only keep for four weeks once the bottle has been opened so throw away the bottle after this time, even if there is some solution left. Never keep opened bottles of eye drops to use later. This will help to prevent the risk of eye infections.

Important information about all medicines