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idoxuridine-ophthalmic

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GENERIC NAME: IDOXURIDINE - OPHTHALMIC (eye-dox-YOU-rid-een, off-THAL-mick)

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is used to treat herpes simplex keratitis, an infection that causes inflammation of the cornea of the eye.

HOW TO USE: Use this medication as prescribed. Continue using it for the full time prescribed. Stopping therapy too soon may result in a reinfection. To apply eye medication, wash hands first. To avoid contamination, be careful not to touch the dropper or tube or let it touch the affected area. Hold the ointment tube in your hand for a few minutes to make the medication flow easier. Tilt your head back, gaze upward and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. For the drops, place dropper directly over the eye and administer the prescribed number of drops. Look downward and gently closes your eye for 1 to 2 minutes. With eye ointment, place medication inside the lower lid using a sweeping motion. Close eye and roll the eyeball. Remove excess ointment with a tissue. Try not to blink and do not rub the eye. If you are using another kind of eye medication, wait five to ten minutes before applying it.

SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may temporarily burn or sting when first applied. If this persists, inform your doctor. Inform your doctor if you develop: skin rash, itching, redness, swelling in or around the eyes. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially: other eye problems, any allergies (particularly an iodine allergy). This medication may cause eyes to be sensitive to bright lights. Wear sunglasses for protection if needed. Vision may be temporarily blurred after applying this medicine. Use caution driving or performing duties requiring clear vision. Idoxuridine should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if idoxuridine is excreted into breast milk. Though, to date, there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all the prescription and nonprescription medicines you use. Do not use any other eye medications while you are using idoxuridine without consulting your doctor. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration   You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.