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Redness Relief
Generic name: tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic
Brand names: Visine, Geneye Extra, Geneyes, Opti-Clear, Redness Relief, Redness Relief Original, Visine Maximum Redness Relief, Vision Clear
What is Redness Relief?
Tetrahydrozoline is a vasoconstrictor. It works by narrowing swollen blood vessels in the eyes to reduce eye redness.
Redness Relief (for the eyes) is for temporary relief of minor eye redness, swelling, or draining caused by minor irritants.
Redness Relief may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
How should I take Redness Relief?
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Using the medication too long or too often may worsen your symptoms and cause damage to the blood vessels in your eyes.
Wash your hands before using the eye drops.
To apply the eye drops:
- Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop.
- Close your eye and gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about 1 minute, to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.
- 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.
Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Warnings
Redness Relief is used for temporary relief of minor eye redness or discomfort caused by minor irritants.
Stop using Redness Relief and call your doctor immediately if you experience ongoing or worsening eye redness, eye pain, or changes in vision.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Redness Relief if you are allergic to it.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if you have other medical conditions, especially:
- glaucoma;
- heart disease, high blood pressure;
- diabetes;
- a thyroid disorder; or
- an eye injury or infection.
It is not known whether Redness Relief will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
It is not known whether tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Redness Relief side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Redness Relief may cause serious side effects. Stop using Redness Relief and call your doctor right away if you have:
- ongoing or worsening eye redness;
- eye pain;
- changes in your vision;
- chest pain, fast or uneven heart rate; or
- severe headache, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, or feeling short of breath.
Common side effects of Redness Relief may include:
- mild burning or stinging of the eye;
- blurred vision, watery eyes; or
- dilated pupils.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since Redness Relief is used as needed, you may not have a regular dosing schedule. If you are on a schedule and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to compensate for the missed dose.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
What happens if I overdose?
An overdose of tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.
Keep Redness Relief 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.
Do not use this medication while wearing contact lenses. Redness Relief may contain a preservative that can discolor soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using this medicine before putting in your contact lenses.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
What other drugs will affect Redness Relief?
It is not likely that other drugs you take by mouth or injection will affect tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic. However, many drugs can interact with each other. Inform all of your healthcare providers about all the medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
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Content is provided for education and is not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.