Propamidine Eye Drops

About propamidine eye drops

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

Propamidine is used to treat infections of the eye, such as conjunctivitis.

Propamidine is available in the form of an eye drop.

It is also sometimes known as: Brolene; Golden Eye. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before using propamidine eye drops

Before using propamidine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• 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 or complementary medicines

How to use propamidine eye drops

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 propamidine.

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 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 directed by your doctor or pharmacist. They are usually applied four times a day.
• Do not wear soft 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 doses. If you do miss a dose, then apply the missed dose 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 this preparation more often or for a longer period than your doctor has directed.
• If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
• Strict attention to hygiene and 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 it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
• Propamidine eye drops are for external use only. If you suspect someone has swallowed any of the eye drops, contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.

Can propamidine eye drops cause problems?

Propamidine eye drops are unlikely to cause any side effects. 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

• 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. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 20/10/2005