Temporary relief of ocular dryness and irritation (burning, grittiness, foreign-body sensation) by replenishing and stabilizing the precorneal tear film.
Temporary relief of eye redness caused by minor irritants. This is intended for short-term symptomatic relief only.
Clearing of mucus, foreign particles, or mild discharge and surface clarification.
Contact lens rewetting only if the product label specifically permits; otherwise, lenses should be removed before instillation.
Dosage & Administration
Typical dose (adults and adolescents): Instill 1–2 drops into the affected eye(s) as needed, up to 4–6 times daily. Do not exceed the directions on the product label.
Pediatrics: Use only under medical advice; many vasoconstrictor-containing drops are not recommended for young children.
Elderly and special groups: No routine dose adjustment is required, but monitor for sensitivity to vasoconstrictors in frail patients.
Administration technique: Wash hands, avoid touching the dropper tip, wait 5–10 minutes between different ophthalmic products, and remove contact lenses unless the product is labeled as lens-compatible.
Mechanism of Action (MOA)
Glycerin, Hypromellose, and Polyethylene Glycol 400: These act as ocular lubricants and humectants, increasing tear film stability and water retention, reducing friction, and protecting the ocular surface.
Tetrahydrozoline HCl: A sympathomimetic alpha-adrenergic agonist that constricts conjunctival blood vessels, reducing redness quickly and temporarily.
Zinc Sulfate: Functions as a mild astringent, helping to clear mucus and debris from the eye.
Pharmacokinetics
Minimal systemic absorption via the topical ocular route. Most of the active ingredients remain on the tear film and are drained through the nasolacrimal duct.
Onset: Lubricants act immediately; vasoconstrictor effect appears within minutes.
Duration: Symptom relief lasts for a few hours; exact duration depends on individual response.
Pregnancy Category & Lactation
Pregnancy: Use only if clearly needed. Systemic exposure is negligible when used as directed.
Lactation: Minimal systemic absorption suggests low risk during breastfeeding; generally considered acceptable for short-term use.
Hypersensitivity to any component of the formulation.
Narrow-angle glaucoma unless advised by an ophthalmologist.
Warnings & Precautions
For short-term use only; prolonged use of vasoconstrictors can cause rebound redness or masking of serious conditions.
Stop use and seek medical advice if pain, blurred vision, or persistent redness occurs, or if symptoms last more than 72 hours.
Keep out of reach of children; accidental ingestion can cause serious harm.
Contact lens users should remove lenses before use unless the product is specifically labeled as safe for lenses.
Side Effects
Common:
Temporary stinging, burning, or irritation
Mild blurred vision immediately after use
Increased tearing
Serious (rare):
Rebound redness with overuse
Allergic reactions
Systemic effects such as headache, elevated blood pressure, or CNS symptoms (more likely if ingested)
Drug Interactions
Wait at least 5–10 minutes before applying other eye drops to avoid washout.
Systemic interactions are rare but use caution in patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors or other sympathomimetics.
Recent Updates or Guidelines
Guidelines emphasize using preservative-free lubricants for frequent or chronic dosing and recommend vasoconstrictors only for short-term use to avoid rebound redness.
Storage Conditions
Store at room temperature (15–25°C).
Protect from heat, freezing, and light.
Keep the bottle tightly closed.
Discard single-use vials after opening and multi-dose bottles as per manufacturer’s instructions.