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Acetylcysteine eye drops
|
About acetylcysteine eye drops
| Type of medicine | Eye lubricant |
| Used for | For relief from dry eye syndromes (due to poor tear secretion or abnormal mucus production) |
| Also called | Ilube |
| Available as | Eye drops |
Acetylcysteine eye drops works by breaking down any thick, sticky mucus on the surface of the eye.
Before using acetylcysteine eye drops
Before using acetylcysteine eye drops make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you are allergic to hypromellose.
How to use acetylcysteine eye drops
- Wash your hands well before use.
- Remove the cap of the container.
- Tilt the head back and pull the lower lid of the eye down to form a pocket.
- 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.
- Apply enough pressure to the container to release one drop.
- 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.
- Repeat in the other eye if you have been told to use the drops in both eyes.
- Wash your hands.
- Apply the drops as often as needed, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Do not wear soft contact lenses while using these eye drops.
Can acetylcysteine 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. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Eye irritation or reddening | If this persists speak to your doctor. |
How to store acetylcysteine eye drops
- 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
|
References
- British National Formulary; 54th Edition (September 2007) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
- Summary of Product Characteristics, Ilube® Eye Drops, Alcon Laboratories (UK) Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Text revised September 2005, accessed November 2007.
| © EMIS 2007 | DocID: 3656 |
DocRef: dils3397 |
Last Updated: 5 Dec 2007 |
Date of Next Review: 4 Dec 2009 |
Version: 23 |
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