What is Artificial Tears Plus (Ocular Lubricant)?
Ocular lubricant is a solution specially formulated to moisturize the eyes.
Ocular lubricant is used to relieve burning, irritation, and discomfort of the eyes due to dryness.
Ocular lubricant may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Artificial Tears Plus (Ocular Lubricant)?
You should not use ocular lubricant if you have a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection in the eye, unless you are also using an anti-infective medicine.
Do not use this medication while you are wearing contact lenses. Ocular lubricant may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using ocular lubricant before putting your contact lenses in.
Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.
Stop using ocular lubricant and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as severe eye pain or vision changes.
Avoid using other medications in your eyes during treatment with ocular lubricant unless your doctor has told you to.
Stop using this medication and call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve within 72 hours of using ocular lubricant.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Artificial Tears Plus (Ocular Lubricant)?
You should not use ocular lubricant if you have a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection in the eye, unless you are also using an anti-infective medicine.
Ocular lubricant is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Talk to your healthcare provider before using ocular lubricant if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether ocular lubricant passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Artificial Tears Plus Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of Artificial Tears Plus (Ocular Lubricant)?
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.
Stop using ocular lubricant and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as severe eye pain or vision changes.
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.
Artificial Tears Plus Interactions
What other drugs affect Artificial Tears Plus (Ocular Lubricant)?
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on ocular lubricant used in the eyes. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
What should I avoid while taking Artificial Tears Plus (Ocular Lubricant)?
Avoid using other medications in your eyes during treatment with ocular lubricant unless your doctor has told you to.
Artificial Tears Plus Dosage
How should I take Artificial Tears Plus (Ocular Lubricant)?
Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.
Wash your hands before using the eye drops.
Do not use this medication while you are wearing contact lenses. Ocular lubricant may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using ocular lubricant before putting your contact lenses in.
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 dropper tip down. Look up and away from the dropper as you squeeze out a drop, then close your eye
- Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct. If you use more than one drop in the same eye, wait about 5 minutes before putting in the next drop
- Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed
- Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye
Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it.
To use the gel or ointment:
- Pull your lower eyelid down to create a small pocket. Squeeze a ribbon of ointment into the pocket without touching the tip of the tube to your eye
- Look downward before closing your eye
- You may have blurred vision for a short time s the ointment settles in your eye
Stop using ocular lubricant and call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve within 72 hours of using ocular lubricant.
Store this medication at room temperature away from heat and moisture. Keep the tube or bottle tightly closed when not in use.
What happens if I overdose on Artificial Tears Plus (Ocular Lubricant)?
An overdose of this medication is not expected to produce life-threatening side effects.
What happens if I miss a dose of Artificial Tears Plus (Ocular Lubricant)?
Since ocular lubricant is used as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are using the medication regularly, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Edited from everydayhealth.com