Hydrocortisone Eye Preparations

About hydrocortisone eye preparations

This belongs to the group of medicines known as anti-inflammatory eye preparations.

Hydrocortisone is used to treat short-term inflammatory conditions of the eye, providing relief from inflammation, redness, irritation, allergies and other conditions.

Hydrocortisone is available in eye drop and eye ointment form.

Before using hydrocortisone eye preparations

Before using hydrocortisone make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, breast-feeding or trying for a baby
• 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 hydrocortisone eye preparations

Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.

If the eye(s) have an obvious discharge or 'crust' they may be bathed with boiled and cooled water before treating with this preparation.

EYE DROPS:

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 container between the thumb and middle finger of the other hand; turn the container upside down near to the eye, try not to touch the eye
5. Apply enough pressure to the container to release one drop
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 this preparation in both eyes
9. Replace the outer cap on the container, trying not to touch the applicator tip with the fingers
10. Wash your hands after use

EYE OINTMENT:

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 container between the thumb and middle finger of the other hand; turn the container upside down near to the eye, try not to touch the eye
5. Apply enough pressure to the container to release a thin line of ointment along the inside of the lower eye lid
6. Blink to spread the ointment around the inside of the eye
7. Repeat in the other eye if you have been instructed to use hydrocortisone in both eyes
8. Replace the outer cap on the container, trying not to touch the applicator tip with the 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.
• 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 had directed.
• Hydrocortisone eye drops or ointment are for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
• Hydrocortisone eye drops or ointment are for external use only. If you suspect someone has swallowed any hydrocortisone drops or ointment, contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you if possible, even if empty.

Can hydrocortisone eye preparations cause problems?

hydrocortisone eye drops or ointment may sometimes cause a mild burning or stinging sensation when first put into the eye. If this becomes too troublesome 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 hydrocortisone eye preparations

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Discard this preparation four weeks after opening.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

Any more questions?

Look in Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) for a leaflet about your condition.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2006   Updated: 07/03/2006