Examples
Over-the-counter decongestant eyedrops
| naphazoline |
Clear Eyes |
| tetrahydrozoline |
Visine |
Over-the-counter antihistamine plus decongestant eyedrops
| naphazoline/pheniramine |
Naphcon-A Solution, Opcon-A Solution |
Over-the-counter antihistamine eyedrops
| ketotifen |
Alaway, Zaditor |
Prescription anti-inflammatory eyedrops
| ketorolac tromethamine |
Acular |
Prescription antihistamine eyedrops
| epinastine |
Elestat |
| olopatadine |
Patanol |
Mast cell stabilizers
| cromolyn sodium |
Crolom |
| lodoxamide tromethamine |
Alomide |
How It Works
Eyedrops relieve the eyes of redness,
itching, and watering caused by allergies, or they reduce these
symptoms.
How Well It Works
Eyedrops often provide prompt
relief of itching and watering. How much relief you get depends on the type of
eyedrops you use.
Side Effects
Side effects of eyedrops may
include:
- Temporary stinging or burning of the eyes when
you first apply the drops.
- Damage to contact lenses. You should not
wear contacts while using eyedrops.
Ketorolac can cause allergic reactions in people who are
allergic to
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as
aspirin. Ketorolac can also cause excess bleeding in people with bleeding
disorders or who are on medicines such as aspirin that may also cause excess
bleeding.
Do not use decongestant eyedrops more than 3 days in a
row. Using these eyedrops for too long can cause congestion to occur when you
are not having an
allergic reaction. This effect is similar to the
rebound congestion of nasal decongestant
sprays. Decongestants may not be safe for young children or for people who have certain health problems. Before you use them, check the label.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug
Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Avoid using eyedrops for a long
period of time.
Do not use these types of eyedrops to treat a
bacterial infection of the eye (conjunctivitis).
Cromolyn works more
slowly than antihistamine eyedrops.
People who have narrow-angle
glaucoma cannot use Opcon-A Solution, Naphcon-A
Solution, and Vasocon-A Solution.
Women who are pregnant or
breast-feeding should talk to their doctors before using eyedrops.
Children cannot use all eyedrops. Talk with your doctor before using them
on your child.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
Credits
|
By
|
Healthwise Staff |
|
Primary Medical Reviewer
|
E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
|
Specialist Medical Reviewer
|
Harold S. Nelson, MD - Allergy and Immunology |
|
Last Revised
|
August 4, 2010 |