mineral oil/petrolatum ophthalmic

Mineral oil/petrolatum ophthalmic is an eye ointment applied on the eye surface for temporary relief from burning and irritation caused by dry eyes, and to prevent further irritation to the eye due to the dryness.

Mineral oil/petrolatum ophthalmic is a combination product of two purified lubricating substances obtained from petroleum. The eye ointment provides temporary relief for dry eye symptoms but does not cure the underlying condition.

The eye surface is covered by a fluid film of tears that protects the eye from the environment, gets rid of irritants, lubricates and provides nutrients to the eye surface, and maintains a smooth eye surface for light refraction. Dry eyes may result from impaired tear production and/or excessive evaporation of natural tears due to aging, medical conditions, dietary deficiencies, or environmental factors.

Mineral oil/petrolatum ophthalmic is a viscous substance that lubricates the eye surface and protects it from irritation. It forms a barrier preventing drainage and evaporation of natural tears, and keeps the eye surface moist. Mineral oil/petrolatum ophthalmic ointment is available over the counter (OTC) in the U.S.

• Do not use mineral oil/petrolatum ophthalmic if you are hypersensitive to any of the components in the formulation.
• Discontinue use and contact your physician if you experience:
  • Eye pain
  • Changes in vision
  • Persisting or worsening redness and/or irritation of the eye after using the medication for more than 3 days

Common side effects of mineral oil/petrolatum ophthalmic include:

• The transient blurring of vision
• Irritation
• Stinging
• Burning

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms or serious side effects while using this drug:

• Serious heart symptoms include fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness;
• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady;
• Severe nervous system reaction with very stiff muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, and feeling like you might pass out; or
• Serious eye symptoms include blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.

This is not a complete list of all side effects or adverse reactions that may occur from the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may also report side effects or health problems to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Mineral Oil/Petrolatum

Ophthalmic Ointment

• 3%/94%

Adult:

Dry Eyes

• Pull down the lower lid of the affected eye and apply a small amount (one-fourth inch) of ointment to the inside of the lower eyelid

Pediatric:

• Safety and efficacy not established

Overdose

• Overuse of ophthalmic lubricants can further irritate the eyes and make the condition worse. Ocular use of mineral oil/petrolatum is unlikely to result in an overdose.
• Oral ingestion of mineral oil/petrolatum may cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, which should generally resolve on their own, with sufficient fluid and electrolyte intake to prevent dehydration.

Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, who can advise you on any possible drug interactions. Never begin taking, suddenly discontinue, or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor’s recommendation.

• Mineral oil/petrolatum ophthalmic has no listed severe, serious, moderate, or mild interactions with other drugs.

The drug interactions listed above are not all of the possible interactions or adverse effects. For more information on drug interactions, visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker.

It is important to always tell your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider about all prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, as well as the dosage for each, and keep a list of the information. Check with your doctor or healthcare provider if you have any questions about the medication.

• Mineral oil/petrolatum ophthalmic should be used during pregnancy only if maternal benefits outweigh potential risks to the fetus.
• It is not known if mineral oil/petrolatum ophthalmic is sufficiently absorbed systemically to be present in breastmilk. Use with caution if you are breastfeeding.
• Do not use any OTC drugs, including mineral oil/petrolatum ophthalmic, without first checking with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Use mineral oil/petrolatum ophthalmic exactly as directed by your physician or as per label instructions.
• Mineral oil petrolatum ophthalmic is only for topical use in the eye.
• Remove contact lenses before applying the ointment.
• Do not touch the tip of the container to any surface to avoid contamination.
• Store safely out of reach of children.
• In case of oral ingestion and overdose, seek medical help or contact Poison Control.