Have you ever felt like one or both of your eyelids are drooping a little lower than normal? This can make your face look tired and sleepy. In medicine, we call this condition Blepharoptosis. So today we are going to talk about a new treatment for this, which is a type of eye drop.
What is this medicine? To be precise...
The name of this medicine is Oxymetazoline . This is an eye drop, that is, an eye solution. Simply put, this medicine temporarily tightens a muscle in the eyelid, lifting the drooping eyelid. It is usually found in the market under names like `(Upneeq)` or `(Visine LR)`.
The most important thing is that this should only be used under the advice of a doctor, as it is not suitable for everyone.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using the medicine
Before you use this medicine, it is essential to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Especially if you have any of the following medical conditions, you should definitely tell them about it.
| Illness / Special Occasion | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Diabetes | Blood sugar levels may be affected. |
| Glaucoma | Eye pressure can be affected. |
| Heart disease, high or low blood pressure | Blood pressure and heart rate may be affected. |
| If you have had a stroke | Problems related to blood vessels may increase. |
| Diseases like Raynaud's phenomenon, Scleroderma, Sjogren's syndrome, Thromboangiitis obliterans | These are diseases related to blood circulation and other body systems, so they require special care. |
| Thyroid disease | Hormone levels may be affected. |
| Difficulty urinating due to enlarged prostate | This situation can be serious. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother | You should talk to your doctor about the possible effects on your child. |
| If you have allergies to other medications, foods, or substances | You should be aware of the possibility of an allergic reaction to the medication. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
Since this is an eye medication, it is very important to use it correctly.
1. Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying the medicine.
2. Tilt your head back: Tilt your head back slightly and look up.
3. Pull the lower eyelid down: With your index finger, gently pull the lower eyelid down to create a small pouch.
4. Don't let the tip of the bottle touch your eyes, fingertips, or anywhere else. Doing so can introduce germs.
5. Put the medicine drops: Put the medicine drops into the prepared bag in the amount prescribed by the doctor.
6. Close your eyes: Spread the medicine over your eyes, and close your eyes for a few seconds.
Very important: This medicine is for eye use only. Do not take it by mouth for any reason . Also, this medicine is prescribed for you only. Do not share it with anyone else.
What if I forget to take my medicine?
If you forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Other medications you are taking may interact with Oxymetazoline. So tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements). Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medications:
- MAOIs: Some medications used to treat mental illness.
- Medications for blood pressure and heart disease: medications such as ace-inhibitors, beta-blockers, calcium-channel blockers, and digoxin.
- Medicines for enlarged prostate.
This list is not complete, so it's safest to tell your doctor about everything you take.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can have some side effects. Some of them are serious, some are not so serious.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| |
| Common side effects that should be reported to your doctor if they persist or are bothersome: | |
|
What else should you be careful about when using the medicine?
- Tell your doctor if your symptoms (eyelid drooping) do not improve or worsen.
- If you notice any changes in your vision, call your doctor immediately.
- If you wear contact lenses , ask your doctor if you can wear them while using the medication and how to wear them.
How should you store your medicine?
- Keep away from children. This is very important.
- Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Protect from extreme heat or cold.
- Keep the medicine in the original bottle it came in.
- Throw away expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Oxymetazoline is an ophthalmic solution used to temporarily lift drooping eyelids (blepharoptosis).
- It is imperative that you tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and medications you are taking before using this.
- The medicine is for eye use only, never by mouth. Also, do not share this medicine with others.
- If you experience any allergic symptoms (such as facial swelling, hives), seek medical advice immediately.
- Always keep the medicine bottle safely out of the reach of children.
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