Cetirizine Ophthalmic
Cetirizine ophthalmic is used to relieve the itching of allergic pink eye. Cetirizine is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms.
🔔 How should this medicine be used?
Cetirizine ophthalmic comes a solution (liquid) to instill in the eye. It is usually instilled in the affected eye(s) twice a day, approximately 8 hours apart. To help you remember to use cetirizine ophthalmic, use it around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use cetirizine ophthalmic exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Cetirizine ophthalmic comes in single-use containers and in a multi-dose bottle (a bottle that can be used more than once). If you are using the single-use container, the liquid from one container should be used for one or both eyes immediately after you open the container. Dispose of each single-use container and any remaining solution after one use.
To instill the eye drops, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Check the dropper tip to make sure that it is not chipped or cracked.
- Avoid touching the dropper tip against your eye or anything else; eye drops and droppers must be kept clean.
- While tilting your head back, pull down the lower lid of your eye with your index finger to form a pocket.
- Hold the dropper (tip down) with the other hand, as close to the eye as possible without touching it.
- Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your face.
- While looking up, gently squeeze the dropper so that a single drop falls into the pocket made by the lower eyelid. Remove your index finger from the lower eyelid.
- Close your eye for 2 to 3 minutes and tip your head down as though looking at the floor. Try not to blink or squeeze your eyelids.
- Place a finger on the tear duct and apply gentle pressure.
- Wipe any excess liquid from your face with a tissue.
- If using another eye product, wait at least 5 minutes after using cetirizine eye drops before using the other eye medication.
- Replace and tighten the cap on the dropper bottle. Do not wipe or rinse the dropper tip.
- Discard the single-dose container, out of the reach of children, even if it is not empty. Replace and tighten the cap on the multi-use bottle; do not wipe or rinse the dropper tip.
- Wash your hands to remove any medication.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.
