Oxymetazoline ophthalmic

Generic name: oxymetazoline ophthalmic [ OX-i-me-TAZ-oh-leen-off-THAL-mik ]
Brand names: Upneeq, Visine Long Lasting, Ocuclear, Visine L.R.
Dosage form: ophthalmic solution (0.025%; 0.1%)
Drug class: Ophthalmic antihistamines and decongestants

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Sep 27, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is oxymetazoline ophthalmic?

Oxymetazoline ophthalmic (for the eyes) is for temporary relief of minor eye redness or discomfort caused by minor irritants.

Upneeq is a prescription version of oxymetazoline ophthalmic that is used to treat blepharoptosis, a condition that causes a droopy eyelid over one or both eyes. Upneeq is for use in adults and children at least 13 years old.

Oxymetazoline ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Oxymetazoline ophthalmic side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Oxymetazoline ophthalmic may cause serious side effects. Stop using oxymetazoline ophthalmic and call your doctor at once if you have:

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• ongoing or worsening eye redness;

• eye pain; or

• changes in your vision.

Common side effects of oxymetazoline ophthalmic may include:

• mild burning or stinging of the eye;

• blurred vision, watery eyes; or

• mild headache, dizziness, nervousness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use oxymetazoline ophthalmic if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• high or low blood pressure;

• heart problems;

• Sjögren's syndrome;

• blood circulation problems;

• glaucoma; or

• an eye injury or infection.

If you have any of the conditions above, ask a doctor or pharmacist before using the nonprescription (over-the-counter) version of oxymetazoline ophthalmic.

Ask a doctor before using oxymetazoline ophthalmic if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Always follow directions on the medicine label about giving this medicine to a child. Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 6 years old without medical advice.

How should I use oxymetazoline ophthalmic?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Using this medicine too long or too often may worsen your symptoms and cause damage to the blood vessels in your eyes.

Do not use while wearing soft contact lenses. A preservative in this medicine could permanently stain the lenses. Use the medicine at least 15 minutes before inserting your contact lenses.

Wash your hands before using eye medication.

Shake the eye drops well just before each use.

To apply the eye drops: Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye and squeeze a drop into this pocket. Close your eyes for 1 or 2 minutes.

Use only the number of drops recommended.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 3 days of treatment.

Store this medicine in an upright position at room temperature. Do not freeze.

Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. Certain eye medications can cause serious medical problems in a young child who accidentally sucks on or swallows medicine from the eye dropper.

Each single-use container is for one use only. Throw it away after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside.

Related/similar drugs

brimonidine ophthalmic, phenylephrine ophthalmic, fluorometholone ophthalmic, Lumify, Upneeq, Flarex

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since oxymetazoline ophthalmic is sometimes used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of oxymetazoline ophthalmic is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medicine.

What should I avoid while using oxymetazoline ophthalmic?

Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.

What other drugs will affect oxymetazoline ophthalmic?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using oxymetazoline with any other medications, especially:

• heart or blood pressure medicine;

• a beta blocker--atenolol, carvedilol, labetalol, metoprolol, nadolol, nebivolol, propranolol, sotalol, and others; or

• an MAO inhibitor--isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect oxymetazoline, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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