Oxymetazoline ophthalmic

Oxymetazoline ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used for temporary relief of minor eye redness or discomfort caused by minor irritants.

Upneeq is a prescription version of oxymetazoline ophthalmic that treats blepharoptosis, a condition that leads to a droopy eyelid over one or both eyes. Upneeq is for use in adults and children who are at least 13 years old.

Oxymetazoline ophthalmic may also be used for other purposes not mentioned in this medication guide.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Using this medicine too long or too often may make your symptoms worse and damage the blood vessels in your eyes.

Do not use while wearing soft contact lenses. A preservative in this medicine could permanently stain the lenses. Use the medicine at least 15 minutes before putting in your contact lenses.

Wash your hands before using eye medication.

Shake the eye drops well just before each use.

To apply the eye drops: Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to make a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye and squeeze a drop into this pocket. Close your eyes for 1 or 2 minutes.

Use only the number of drops recommended.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 3 days of treatment.

Store this medicine in an upright position at room temperature. Do not freeze.

Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. Certain eye medications can cause serious medical problems in a young child who accidentally sucks on or swallows medicine from the eye dropper.

Each single-use container is for one use only. Throw it away after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside.

Follow all instructions on your medicine label and package. Inform all your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and any medicines you are taking.

You should not use oxymetazoline ophthalmic if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• high or low blood pressure;
• heart problems;
• Sjögren's syndrome;
• blood circulation problems;
• glaucoma; or
• an eye injury or infection.

If you have any of the conditions listed above, ask a doctor or pharmacist before using the nonprescription (over-the-counter) version of oxymetazoline ophthalmic.

Ask a doctor before using oxymetazoline ophthalmic if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Always follow the directions on the medicine label about giving this medicine to a child. Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 6 years old without medical advice.

Get emergency medical help if you notice signs of an allergic reaction: hives; trouble breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Oxymetazoline ophthalmic may lead to serious side effects. Stop using oxymetazoline ophthalmic and call your doctor immediately if you experience:

• feeling light-headed, as if you might faint;
• ongoing or worsening eye redness;
• eye pain; or
• changes in your vision.

Common side effects of oxymetazoline ophthalmic may include:

• mild burning or stinging in the eye;
• blurred vision, watery eyes; or
• mild headache, dizziness, nervousness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may happen. Call your doctor for medical advice regarding side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Since oxymetazoline ophthalmic is sometimes used as needed, you might not have a dosing schedule. If you miss a dose and it's almost time for your next dose, just skip the missed dose. Do not use two doses at the same time.

An overdose of oxymetazoline ophthalmic is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if someone has accidentally swallowed the medicine.

Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor instructs you to.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using oxymetazoline with any other medications, especially:

• heart or blood pressure medicine;
• a beta blocker--atenolol, carvedilol, labetalol, metoprolol, nadolol, nebivolol, propranolol, sotalol, and others; or
• an MAO inhibitor--isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect oxymetazoline, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.