Povidone and tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to relieve eye redness or dryness caused by minor eye irritations, and to protect the eyes from further irritation.

Povidone and tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have ever had glaucoma.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Do not use while wearing soft contact lenses. A preservative in this medicine could permanently stain the lenses. Use the medicine at least 15 minutes before inserting your contact lenses.

Wash your hands before using eye medication.

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 and squeeze a drop into this pocket. Close your eyes for 1 or 2 minutes.

Use only the number of drops recommended on the medicine label.

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 medicine if it has changed colors or looks cloudy.

Store this medicine in an upright position at room temperature. Do not freeze.

Usual Adult Dose for Eye Dryness/Redness:

1 to 2 drops in the affected eye(s) up to 4 times a day

Comment: Patients should stop use and contact their healthcare provider if their condition worsens OR the condition lasts longer than 72 hours.

Uses:
-For the relief of redness of the eye due to minor eye irritations
-For use as a protectant against further irritation OR to relieve dryness of the eye

Usual Adult Dose for Eye Redness/Itching:

1 to 2 drops in the affected eye(s) up to 4 times a day

Comment: Patients should stop use and contact their healthcare provider if their condition worsens OR the condition lasts longer than 72 hours.

Uses:
-For the relief of redness of the eye due to minor eye irritations
-For use as a protectant against further irritation OR to relieve dryness of the eye

Usual Pediatric Dose for Eye Dryness/Redness:

6 years and older: 1 to 2 drops in the affected eye(s) up to 4 times a day

Comment: Patients should stop use and contact their healthcare provider if their condition worsens OR the condition lasts longer than 72 hours.

Uses:
-For the relief of redness of the eye due to minor eye irritations
-For use as a protectant against further irritation OR to relieve dryness of the eye

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 day

Comment: Patients should stop use and contact their healthcare provider if their condition worsens OR the condition lasts longer than 72 hours.

Uses:
-For the relief of redness of the eye due to minor eye irritations
-For use as a protectant against further irritation OR to relieve dryness of the eye

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if povidone and tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic is safe to use if you have ever had glaucoma.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 6 years old without medical advice.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Since povidone and tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Avoid using povidone and tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic more than 4 times in one day. Do not use two doses at one time.

An overdose of povidone and tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

povidone and tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic may cause serious side effects. Stop using povidone and tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic and call your doctor at once if you have:

• eye pain;

• vision changes;

• eye redness or irritation that lasts longer than 72 hours; or

• new or worsening eye symptoms.

Common side effects of povidone and tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic may include:

• dilated pupils (may cause blurred vision, or your eyes may be more sensitive to light).

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.

Medicine used in the eyes is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.