|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Other drug names: | A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9 |
| Contents of this page: | |
Some commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S.--
In Canada--
Oxymetazoline (ox-i-met-AZ-oh-leen) is used to relieve redness due to minor eye irritations, such as those caused by colds, dust, wind, smog, pollen, swimming, or wearing contact lenses.
Oxymetazoline is available without a prescription; however, your doctor may have special instructions on the proper use of this medicine for your medical condition.
Oxymetazoline is available in the following dosage form:
If you are taking this medicine without a prescription, carefully read and follow any precautions on the label. For ophthalmic oxymetazoline, the following should be considered:
Allergies--Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to oxymetazoline or to any other decongestant used in the eye. Also tell your health care provider if you are allergic to any other substances, such as preservatives.
Pregnancy--Ophthalmic oxymetazoline may be absorbed into the body. However, studies on effects in pregnancy have not been done in either humans or animals.
Breast-feeding--Oxymetazoline may be absorbed into the body. However, oxymetazoline has not been shown to cause problems in nursing babies.
Children--Check with your doctor before using oxymetazoline eye drops in children up to 6 years of age. Eye redness in children can occur with illnesses, such as allergies, fevers, colds, and measles, that may require medical attention.
Older adults--Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of oxymetazoline in the elderly with use in other age groups.
Other medicines--Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health care provider if you are using any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Other medical problems--The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of ophthalmic oxymetazoline. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
Do not use oxymetazoline ophthalmic solution if it becomes cloudy or changes color.
To use:
Use this medicine only as directed . Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for more than 72 hours, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. To do so may make your eye irritation worse and may also increase the chance of side effects.
Dosing--The dose of ophthalmic oxymetazoline will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of ophthalmic oxymetazoline. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
Storage--To store this medicine:
If eye pain or change in vision occurs or if redness or irritation of the eye continues, gets worse, or lasts for more than 72 hours, stop using the medicine and check with your doctor .
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
When this medicine is used for short periods of time at low doses, side effects usually are rare.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
With overuse or long-term use
Increase in irritation or redness of eyesSymptoms of too much medicine being absorbed into the body
Fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat; headache or lightheadedness; nervousness; trembling; trouble in sleepingOther side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
Revised: 08/13/98
Interim revision:
| Micromedex, Inc. Disclaimer |
| Health Topics | Drug Information | Dictionaries | Directories | Other Resources |
|
U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894
Copyright and Privacy Policy, We welcome your comments. Last updated: 24 January 2001 |