Before using carmellose sodium eye drops

Before using carmellose sodium eye drops make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
• if you are taking or using any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.

How to use carmellose sodium eye drops

1. Wash your hands well before use.
2. Remove the cap of the container.
3. Tilt the head back and pull the lower lid of the eye down to form a pocket.
4. Hold the container between the thumb and middle finger of the other hand, turn the container upside down near to the eye, but try not to touch the eye.
5. Apply enough pressure to the container to release one to two drops.
6. Close the eye and keep it closed for a minute or two. If you think that you have missed the eye, then insert another drop.
7. Repeat in the other eye if you have been told to use the drops in both eyes.
8. If you are using the single-dose eye drops, then discard the container straight away after use.
9. Wash your hands.
10. Apply the drops as often as needed, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. For very dry eyes, the drops may need to be applied every hour.

Getting the most from your treatment

• If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
• If you also have to use any other eye drops or ointments, leave about five minutes between using each one and at least fifteen minutes before applying carmellose sodium.
• Carmellose sodium should always be the last eye preparation used.
• If you wear contact lenses, they should be removed before each time you use the eye drops and not put back in until at least fifteen minutes afterwards.
• When first put in, these eye drops may cause blurred vision. Make sure you can see clearly before you drive, use machinery or do other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not able to see properly.

Can carmellose sodium eye drops cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine:

If any of these effects continue or become severe or if you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to these eye drops, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

How to store carmellose sodium 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.
• Discard each single dose container straight away after use.

Important information about all medicines