Definition
Eye drops are sterile, aqueous or oily solutions or suspensions of one or more active ingredients for dropwise application to the eye. They may contain excipients. Aqueous preparations in multi-dose containers must contain a suitable preservative if the preparation is not itself sufficiently antimicrobial. Eye drops without preservatives must be marketed in single-dose containers. Eye drops used during surgical procedures must not contain a preservative.
Drug groups
Tear substitutes used to moisten the eyes:
- E.g. hyaluronic acid, povidone.
Vitamin A eye ointments to promote epithelial regeneration:
- Retinol palmitate
Antihistamine eye drops for allergic eye diseases:
- Levocabastine
- Antazoline + tetryzoline
- More
Vasoconstrictors in unspecific conjunctivitis:
- Tetryzoline
- More
Homeopathics and herbal eye drops:
- Eyebright
- Other
Antiglaucomatous to reduce elevated intraocular pressure:
- E.g., ocular beta blockers and prostaglandin analogues.
Local anesthetic eye drops for local anesthesia:
- Cocaine (magistral formulation).
- Oxybuprocaine eye drops
- Proxymetacaine
Mydriatics for pupil dilation:
- Parasympatholytics: Atropine, scopolamine
- Sympathomimetics: Cocaine, ephedrine, phenylephrine.
Anti-inflammatory drugs:
NSAID eye drops:
- Diclofenac, indometacin, nepafenac, see under NSAID eye drops.
Antiviralia against viral infections:
- E.g. Aciclovir
Antibiotic eye drops against bacterial infections: eg, ofloxacin, chloramphenicol disinfectant for local disinfection:
- E.g. Hexamidine
Diagnostic agents for diagnostic use on the eye:
- Fluorescein
Expectorants:
- N-acetylcysteine eye drops
Advice
- Use monodoses if used infrequently (shelf life).
- Prefer medicines without preservatives, because benzalkonium chloride in rare cases leads to adverse effects
- Instill only 1-2 drops at a time, the eye can not absorb more
- Shelf life of the open vial usually 1 month
- For a few drops, first turn the vial completely closed, then untwist it
See also under administering eye drops.
