Altachlore (Generic)

This product is used to reduce swelling of the surface of the eye (cornea) in certain eye conditions. Decreasing swelling of the cornea may lessen eye discomfort or irritation caused by the swelling. This product works by drawing fluid out of the cornea to reduce swelling.

Apply this product to the eye as directed. If you are using the nonprescription product, read all directions on the product package before using this medication. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, use as directed by your doctor.

If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them before using eye ointments. Wait at least 15 minutes before replacing your contact lenses.

To apply eye ointment, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the tube tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface. Rolling the ointment tube in your hands for a minute will make the ointment flow easier. Tilt your head back, look upward, and gently pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Place a 1/4-inch (0.6-centimeter) strip of ointment into the pouch. Gently close the eye and roll the eyeball in all directions to spread the medication. Try not to blink and do not rub the eye.

Repeat these steps for your other eye if so directed. Wipe the tip of the ointment tube with a clean tissue to remove extra medication before recapping it.

If you are using another kind of eye medication (e.g., drops or ointments), wait at least 5 to 10 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the drops to enter the eye.

This product is recommended for use under a doctor's direction. If your condition worsens, if it persists for more than 3 days, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.

Eye discomfort, burning, redness, or temporary blurred vision may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

If your doctor has prescribed this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: eye pain, vision changes.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using sodium chloride eye ointment, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: other eye problems.

After you apply this product, your vision may become temporarily blurred. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.

This product is safe to use during pregnancy.

It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Refer to storage information printed on the package. Unless otherwise directed, store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not freeze. Do not store in the bathroom. If you have any questions about storage, ask your pharmacist. Keep all drug products away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

If you are using this product under your doctor's direction, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you use any of the following products: other eye medications.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

If you are using this product on a regular schedule and miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

If your doctor has prescribed this medication for you, do not share it with others.

Keep all regular medical and laboratory appointments.