Before using hydrocortisone eye preparations

Before using hydrocortisone eye preparations make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you wear soft contact lenses.
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to use hydrocortisone eye preparations

Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
If your eye(s) have an obvious discharge or 'crust', bathe them with boiled and cooled water before using hydrocortisone.

EYE DROPS:

1. Wash your hands well before use.
2. Remove the outer cap from the container.
3. Tilt your head back and pull the lower lid of your eye out to form a pocket.
4. Hold the container in your other hand and turn the container upside down near to your eye. Try not to touch your eye with the container.
5. Apply enough pressure to the container to release one drop into your eye. If you think the drop missed your eye, then insert another drop.
6. Close your eye, and keep it closed for one to two minutes.
7. Repeat in your other eye if you have been told to use hydrocortisone in both eyes.
8. Replace the outer cap on the container. Try not to touch the tip of the container with any surface, including your eye or fingers.
9. Wash your hands after use.

EYE OINTMENT:

1. Wash your hands well before use.
2. Remove the lid from the tube.
3. Pull the lower lid of your eye out to form a pocket.
4. Hold the tube in your other hand and turn it upside down near to your eye. Try not to touch your eye with the end of the tube.
5. Squeeze the tube to release a thin line of ointment along the inside of your lower eye lid.
6. Blink to spread the ointment around the inside of your eye.
7. Repeat in your other eye if you have been told to use hydrocortisone in both eyes.
8. Close the tube, making sure that you do not to touch the tip on any surface, including your eye or fingers.
9. Wash your hands after use.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Use hydrocortisone eye drops or ointment exactly as directed by your doctor.
• They are usually applied every 30-60 minutes until the symptoms are controlled, then every 4 hours for a few days.
• If you usually wear contact lenses, wear your glasses instead during your treatment with hydrocortisone eye preparations.
• If you are using any other eye drops or ointments leave at least five minutes between applying each preparation.
• Try not to miss doses. If you do miss a dose, then apply the missed dose as soon as possible.
• If your symptoms do not improve within seven days or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
• Do not use hydrocortisone eye drops or ointment more often, or for a longer period than your doctor has told you.

Can hydrocortisone eye preparations 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 this preparation, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store hydrocortisone eye preparations

• Eye preparations only keep for up to 4 weeks once the container has been opened. When your treatment has finished, throw any remaining preparation away.
• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

References

• British National Formulary; 62nd Edition (Sep 2011) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF)