Tetrahydrozoline and zinc ophthalmic

Tetrahydrozoline is a medicine that narrows swollen blood vessels in the eyes to help reduce eye redness.

Zinc is a mineral that acts as an astringent to gently remove proteins and mucus from the outer surface of the eye.

Tetrahydrozoline and zinc ophthalmic (for the eyes) is a combination medicine that helps relieve eye redness and discomfort from minor eye irritation.

Tetrahydrozoline and zinc ophthalmic may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

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.

Tetrahydrozoline and zinc ophthalmic is used for temporary relief of minor eye irritation or to clear mucus build-up from the surface of the eye.

Stop using tetrahydrozoline and zinc ophthalmic and call your doctor immediately if you have ongoing or worsening eye redness, eye pain, or changes in your vision.

You should not use tetrahydrozoline and zinc ophthalmic 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 tetrahydrozoline and zinc ophthalmic 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 and zinc ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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.

Tetrahydrozoline and zinc ophthalmic may cause serious side effects. Stop using tetrahydrozoline and zinc ophthalmic and call your doctor at once 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 tetrahydrozoline and zinc ophthalmic 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.

Usual Adult Dose for Eye Redness/Itching:

1 to 2 drops in the affected eye(s) up to 4 times a dayComment: Patients should stop use and contact their healthcare provider if their condition worsens OR the condition lasts longer than 72 hours.Uses:-For protection against further irritation-For the relief of discomfort of redness of the eye due to minor eye irritations-For the relief of eye dryness-For the temporary relief of burning and irritation dur to exposure to wind or sun-For the temporary relief of discomfort and redness of the eye due to minor eye irritations

Usual Pediatric Dose for Eye Redness/Itching:

6 years and older: 1 to 2 drops in the affected eye(s) up to 4 times a dayComment: Patients should stop use and contact their healthcare provider if their condition worsens OR the condition lasts longer than 72 hours.Uses:-For protection against further irritation-For the relief of discomfort of redness of the eye due to minor eye irritations-For the relief of eye dryness-For the temporary relief of burning and irritation dur to exposure to wind or sun-For the temporary relief of discomfort and redness of the eye due to minor eye irritations

Since tetrahydrozoline and zinc ophthalmic is used as needed, you may not have a dosing schedule. If you do have a schedule, take the missed dose 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.

An overdose of tetrahydrozoline and zinc ophthalmic is not expected to be harmful. Get emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if someone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

Keep tetrahydrozoline and zinc ophthalmic out of reach of children. Some eye medications can cause serious health issues in a young child who accidentally sucks on or swallows medicine from the eye dropper.

Do not use this medication while wearing contact lenses. Tetrahydrozoline and zinc ophthalmic may have a preservative that can change the color of soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using this medicine before putting in your contact lenses.

It is unlikely that other medications you take by mouth or inject will affect tetrahydrozoline and zinc ophthalmic used in your eyes. However, many medications can interact with one another. Inform all your healthcare providers about all the medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.