sodium chloride hypertonic ophthalmic

Sodium chloride hypertonic ophthalmic is a medication topically administered in the eye to reduce swelling caused by corneal edema.

• The cornea is the transparent tissue that covers the iris and pupil, protects the inner eye from infections, and focuses the light on the lens and the retina, enabling vision.
• Corneal edema is caused by fluid collection in the cornea which may be due to eye surgery, injury, infection, inflammation, or certain eye diseases. Corneal edema prevents proper focusing of light and causes blurred vision.

Sodium chloride is the chemical name of common salt which is the primary salt found in seawater. Sodium and chloride are electrolytes that regulate fluid balance and acid-base balance in the body as well as the osmotic pressure of body fluids. Sodium chloride hypertonic, ophthalmic reduces corneal edema by drawing out excess fluid from the cornea and releasing it as tears.

Sodium chloride hypertonic ophthalmic is available over the counter (OTC) as a solution or ointment for topical application in the eye.

• Do not use sodium chloride hypertonic ophthalmic if you are hypersensitive to any of the components of the formulation.
• Use only under the advice and supervision of a physician.
• Sodium chloride hypertonic ophthalmic may cause temporary burning and irritation.
• Discontinue sodium chloride hypertonic ophthalmic and consult with your physician if:
  • Your condition worsens or persists for longer than 3 days
  • You have continued irritation or redness of the eye, or develop eye pain or vision changes

Common side effects of sodium chloride hypertonic ophthalmic include:

• Temporary burning, redness, and/or irritation of the eyes
• Transient changes in vision

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.

Ophthalmic solution

• 2%
• 5%

Ophthalmic ointment

• 5%

Temporary Relief of Corneal Edema

Adult and Pediatric:

• Ophthalmic solution: Instill 1-2 drops in affected eye(s) once every 3-4 hours or as directed by physician
• Ophthalmic ointment: Pull down lower lid of affected eye(s); apply a small amount (1/4 inch) of ointment to inside of eyelid; apply once every 3-4 hours or as directed by physician

Administration

• Ophthalmic ointment recommended for nighttime use; preservative free formulation
• Ophthalmic solution recommended for daytime use
• Avoid contamination do not touch tip of container to any surface; replace cap after use

Overdose

• Sodium chloride hypertonic, ophthalmic may cause temporary irritation and blurred vision but is unlikely to cause serious adverse effects.
• Oral ingestion is also unlikely to result in severe adverse effects, and any symptoms that occur should resolve on their own.

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.

• Sodium chloride hypertonic, 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.

• Sodium chloride hypertonic, ophthalmic use is likely safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding in recommended doses.
• Check with your physician before using any OTC product, including sodium chloride hypertonic, ophthalmic, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Use sodium chloride hypertonic ophthalmic exactly as directed.
• Sodium chloride hypertonic ophthalmic is only for external application in the eye.
• Do not use the product if the solution changes color or becomes cloudy.
• Do not touch the tip of the container to any surface, to avoid contamination.
• Store safely out of reach of children.
• In case of overdose, seek medical help or contact Poison Control.