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Antihistamine (Eye Drop)

Drug Class: Commonly Known As: Category:
Antihistamine (Eyedrop) Adult, Children

Antihistamine (Eye Drop) - What is it for

Antihistamines are a group of medications which can be used to relieve symptoms of allergic reactions. Antihistamine eye drops are used to treat symptoms of eye allergies (allergic conjunctivitis), such as red, itchy eyes and watery eyes. They may contain ingredients such as:

  • Ketotifen
  • Olopatadine

Antihistamine (Eye Drop) - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Antihistamine (Eye Drop) cause?

  • Headache, blurred vision

These effects are mild and will subside after some time. Do not drive or operate machinery immediately after using the eye drops.

  • Burning, stinging, redness or eye irritation of the eye

If the discomfort continues for more than a few minutes, discontinue the medication, and rinse the affected eye with normal saline eye wash.

To avoid eye irritation, remove contact lens prior to application of the eye drops and wait at least 30 minutes before re-inserting the contact lens.

If you experience the following symptoms, your conditions may be too serious for self-treatment and you should consult a doctor:

  • Pain in the eye
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Change in vision
  • Gritty, sandy sensation in the eye
  • Discharge or mucous coming from the eye
  • Symptoms persist after self-treatment

The symptoms of a drug allergy includes one or more of the following:

  • Swollen face/eyes /lips/ tongue
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

Before taking Antihistamine (Eye Drop) , what precautions must I follow?

​Inform your healthcare professionals if:

  • You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
  • You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Antihistamine (Eye Drop) ?

Antihistamine (Eye Drop) - Dosage and How to Use

How should Antihistamine (Eye Drop) be used?

​Apply this medication to the affected eye once or twice a day as directed by your healthcare professional.

For proper use of eye drop:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water, and read the instructions on the label.
  • Shake the bottle.
  • Tilt your head backwards and look up.
  • Gently pull the lower eyelid down to form a pocket and squeeze the bottle to apply one drop into your eye. To prevent the tip of the bottle from getting dirty, make sure the tip does not touch the eye or any other surface.
  • Close your eyes and press down gently on the inner corner of your eye for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the medicines to be absorbed and prevent it from being drained into the back of your throat.
  • If you need to use more than 1 drop of medicine, or if you are using another type of eye drop, wait at least 5 to 10 minutes before applying the next eye drop. This is to prevent the first eye drop of medicine from being washed away by the second drop of medicine before it has time to work. This also prevents any medicine interactions between different eye drops. 
  • If your doctor prescribed both eye drops and eye ointments, you should use the eye drops first.  

For contact lens wearers:

  • Remove your contact lens before each application of medication.
  • If you are using hard lens, you can put them on directly after applying the eye drops.
  • If you are using soft lens, you can put them on for 30 minutes after applying the eye drops. Otherwise, your lens may be damaged by the preservatives present in the eye drops.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

​If you forget to apply a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. Then apply your next dose at the usual time. Do not apply two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What should I do if I overdose?

Antihistamine (Eye Drop) - Handling

How should I handle Antihistamine (Eye Drop) safely?

Antihistamine (Eye Drop) - Storage

How should I store Antihistamine (Eye Drop) ?

;#Keep away from children;#Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight;#

How should I dispose of Antihistamine (Eye Drop) safely?

​Eye drops should be discarded 4 weeks after first opening, unless stated otherwise by the manufacturer.

Pack this medication into black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing it into the rubbish chute or bin.

Antihistamine (Eye Drop) - Additional Information

  • Updated on 12/17/2020 12:00:00 AM
  • Article contributed by PSS National Medication Information Workgroup PSS National Medication Information Workgroup
The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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