Generic Name: Sodium Chloride Eye Ointment (Hypertonic) [ SOE-dee-um-KLOR-ide ]
Drug Class: Miscellaneous ophthalmic agents
Uses of Sodium Chloride Eye Ointment:
- It is used to lower swelling.
- It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Sodium Chloride Eye Ointment?
- If you have an allergy to sodium chloride or any other part of sodium chloride eye ointment (hypertonic).
- If you are allergic to sodium chloride eye ointment (hypertonic); any part of sodium chloride eye ointment (hypertonic); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with sodium chloride eye ointment (hypertonic).
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take sodium chloride eye ointment (hypertonic) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Sodium Chloride Eye Ointment?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take sodium chloride eye ointment (hypertonic). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Use care when driving or doing other tasks that call for clear eyesight.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using sodium chloride eye ointment (hypertonic) while you are pregnant.
- Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.
How is this medicine (Sodium Chloride Eye Ointment) best taken?
Use sodium chloride eye ointment (hypertonic) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- For the eye only.
- Wash your hands before and after use.
- Take out contact lenses before using sodium chloride eye ointment (hypertonic). Lenses may be put back in 15 minutes after sodium chloride eye ointment (hypertonic) is given. Do not put contacts back in if your eyes are irritated or infected.
- Do not touch the container tip to the eye, lid, or other skin.
- Gently pull down the lower lid and squeeze in how much the doctor told you to use.
- Let go of the lower eyelid and keep eyes closed for 1 to 2 minutes.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- If you use sodium chloride eye ointment (hypertonic) on a regular basis, use a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
- If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
- Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
- Many times sodium chloride eye ointment (hypertonic) is used on an as needed basis. Do not use more often than told by the doctor.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Change in eyesight, eye pain, or very bad eye irritation.
What are some other side effects of Sodium Chloride Eye Ointment?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Burning.
- Eye irritation.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Sodium Chloride Eye Ointment?
- Store at room temperature. Do not freeze.
- Protect from heat.
- Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about sodium chloride eye ointment (hypertonic), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.