Before using zinc sulphate eye drops

Before using zinc sulphate eye drops 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 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 zinc sulphate eye drops

1. Wash your hands
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 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. Replace the outer cap on the container, trying not to touch the applicator tip with any surface, including the eye or fingers
8. Repeat this procedure three or four times a day or as directed by your doctor.

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 each one.
• You should not wear soft contact lenses while you are being treated with zinc sulphate eye drops.
• When first instilled, the eye drops may cause blurred vision. Make sure you can see clearly before you drive, operate machinery or do any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were unable to see properly.

Can zinc sulphate 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. The most common side effects caused by zinc sulphate eye drops are shown in the table below:

Occasionaly, zinc sulphate eye drops may cause allergic reactions which can cause eye pain, headache, changes in vision or continual redness in the eye.
If you experience these or any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to zinc sulphate eye drops, stop using them and speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store zinc sulphate eye drops

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Discard these eye drops 4 weeks after opening.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

Important information about all medicines