Propamidine eye drops

About propamidine eye drops

Propamidine is used to treat infections of the eye, such as conjunctivitis. Signs of eye infections include sore, red or inflamed eyes, stickiness or a crust on the eyelids.

Before using propamidine eye drops

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

• If you wear 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, or if you know you are allergic to the preservatives used in eye drops.
• If you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

How to use propamidine eye drops

Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.

1. Wash your hands well before use.
2. Remove the outer cap.
3. Tilt the head back and pull the lower lid of the eye down to form a pocket.
4. Hold the eye drop bottle between the thumb and middle finger of the other hand. Turn the bottle upside down near to the eye, but without touching the eye.
5. Apply enough pressure to the bottle to release one to two drops.
6. Close the eye, and keep it closed for one to two minutes.
7. If you think that you have missed the eye, then insert another drop.
8. Repeat in the other eye if you have been instructed to use propamidine in both eyes.
9. Replace the outer cap on the container, try not to touch the applicator tip with the fingers as you do so.
10. Wash your hands.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Use propamidine eye drops exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you to. They are usually applied four times a day.
• If you do not feel any improvement after using the eye drops for two days, or if your eyes become worse, contact your doctor.
• Do not wear contact lenses while you are being treated with propamidine eye drops.
• If you are using any other eye drops or eye ointments, leave at least five minutes between applying each preparation.
• Try not to miss any doses. If you do miss a dose, use your drops as soon as possible.
• It is important to continue using propamidine eye drops for a further 48 hours after the eye appears normal, to ensure that the infection has completely gone.
• Do not use these eye drops more often or for a longer period than your doctor has directed.
• Strict attention to cleanliness is important to prevent the infection spreading.
• Be careful to use separate towels to other members of your household.
• If only one eye is infected care must be taken to avoid spreading the infection from one eye to the other.
• Eye infections can cause the eyes to become more sensitive to sunlight. Wearing dark glasses may help prevent this.
• Propamidine eye drops are for you. Never give your eye drops to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Can propamidine eye drops cause problems?

Propamidine eye drops are unlikely to cause any side effects, other than slight blurring when the eye drops are first put in. If however, your condition becomes worse or if you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this preparation ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

How to store propamidine eye drops

• Do not store or use these eye drops for longer than 4 weeks once opened.
• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines