Drug Name:ARTIFICIAL SOL TEARS OP
GENERIC NAME: ARTIFICIAL TEAR SOLUTION
COMMON USES:
This medicine is an eye lubricant used to treat dry eyes. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your veterinarian.
BEFORE USING THIS MEDICINE:
INFORM YOUR VETERINARIAN OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are giving your pet. Inform your veterinarian of any of your pet's other medical conditions or allergies.
HOW TO USE THIS MEDICINE:
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your veterinain. TO USE THIS MEDICINE: first, wash your hands. Remove excess medicine around your pet's eye with a clean tissue, being careful not to touch the eye. Wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them. TO PREVENT GERMS from entering your medicine, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface including your pet's eye. Wipe it with a clean tissue. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature in the original container, away from heat and light. Keep the container tightly closed. IF YOU MISS GIVING A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE and you are giving it regularly, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your pet's next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your pet's regular dosing schedule.
CAUTIONS:
DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if it becomes cloudy or changes color. IF YOUR PET'S SYMPTOMS DO NOT IMPROVE within a few days or if they become worse, check with your veterinarain.
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS:
CHECK WITH YOUR VETERINARIAN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you notice redness, irritation, or worsening of your pet's condition. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist.
OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency veterinary service immediately. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with other pets for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets. IF GIVING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
The information in this monograph is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. This information is generalized and is not intended as specific medical advice. If you have questions about the medicines you are taking or would like more information, check with your veterinarian or pharmacist.
If you have any questions concerning this or any of your medications, a Pharmacist is available during normal business hours at 866-761-6578 to answer your questions.
Artificial Tears Solution for Pets (Rx)
General Description:
This eye medication provides a protective barrier and is used to provide relief from irritation as well as to protect the surface of the eye when tear production is decreased. This medication is available in the form of drops as well as an ointment.
What is this product?
- An artificial eye lubricant
Reasons for prescribing:
- To provide protection
- Can be used as an eye rinse
- To assist in the treatment of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye)
What dogs/cats should not use this medication?
- Animals with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to this drug should not use this medication
Directions:
Read and follow the prescription label carefully.
Give the exact amount prescribed and only as often as directed.
Give this medication for as long as your veterinarian directs.
Do not skip doses or stop giving the medication without consulting your veterinarian.
Dose adjustments may be made based upon an assessment of how your dog or cat is responding clinically.
If your pet requires more than one medication in the same eye, administer the medications 5 minutes apart.
If your pet requires more than one medication, discuss with your veterinarian if it is preferable to administer drops before ointments.
If you are having difficulty applying the medication, contact your veterinarian
Call ahead for refills.
Ideally, give this medication at the same time(s) daily.
Administration of eye drops
- Wash your hands before applying any eye medication
- Check label directions and shake bottle if necessary
- Remove excess discharge from around the eye with a moistened cloth
- Remove the cap and avoid contaminating the tip of the medication bottle with the environment or your fingers
- Tilt your pet's head back so that they are looking up towards the ceiling
- Gently hold the eyelids open and with the other hand holding the medication bottle, rest your hand above the eye
- Be sure that the tip of the medication bottle is not pointed towards the eye in case of any sudden movements
- Ensure that the tip of the medication bottle does not touch your pet's eye, eyelids, or lashes
- Apply the correct amount of drops into the eye
- Continue to hold your pet's head up and allow them to blink to distribute the drops over the entire eye
- Place the cap back on the medication bottle and avoid contaminating the inside of the cap with your fingers
- Wash your hands after applying any eye medication
- Always praise and reward your pet to encourage cooperation
Administration of eye ointments
- Wash hands prior before applying any eye medication
- Check label directions
- Remove excess discharge from around the eye with a moistened cloth
- Remove the cap and avoid contaminating the tip of the medication tube with the environment or your fingers
- Tilt your pet's head back so that they are looking up towards the ceiling
- Gently roll down the lower eyelid of the affected eye and while holding the medication tube, rest your hand above the eye
- Be sure that the tip of the medication tube is not pointed towards the eye in case of any sudden movements
- Ensure that the tip of the medication tube does not touch your pet's eye, eyelids, or lashes
- Holding the tube parallel to the eyelid, apply the correct amount of ointment along the inner edge of the lower lid
- Gently hold the eyelids shut and massage to disperse the medication
- Place the cap back on the medication tube and avoid contaminating the inside of the cap with your fingers
- Wash your hands after applying any eye medication
- Always praise and reward your pet to encourage cooperation
What if a dose is missed?
If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you can. If it is time already for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give two doses at the same time.
What to tell/ask a veterinarian before giving medication?
Talk to your veterinarian about:
- When your pet will need to be rechecked
- What tests may need to be performed prior to and during treatment with this eye medication
- What are the risks and benefits of using this eye medication
Tell your veterinarian about:
- If your pet has experienced previous eye problems
- If your pet has experienced side-effects on other drugs/products
- If your pet has experienced digestive upset now or ever
- If your pet has experienced liver or kidney disease now or ever
- If your pet has experienced any other medical problems or allergies now or ever
- All medicines and supplements that you are giving your pet or plan to give your pet, including those you can get without a prescription. Your veterinarian may want to check that all of your pet's medications can be given together.
- If your pet is pregnant, nursing or if you plan to breed your pet
Storage and Warnings:
Artificial tears should be stored in a childproof container in a cool, dry place at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight.
Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets.
Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take this product.
Potential side effects:
- If you notice anything else unusual, contact your veterinarian
Can this drug be given with other drugs?
- Do not give new food or medications without first talking to your veterinarian
- If your pet experiences any unusual reactions when taking multiple medications, contact your veterinarian
Overdosing?
Contact your veterinarian immediately if you pet has accidentally ingested this medication or has received more than the prescribed amount.
What else should I know?
Notify your veterinarian if your animal's condition does not improve or worsens despite this treatment.
As with all prescribed medicines, artificial tears should only be given used on the pet for which it was prescribed.
It should be used only for the condition for which it was prescribed. Never use skin or ear medications in the eye.
This is just a summary of information about artificial tears. If you have any questions or concerns about artificial tears or the condition it was prescribed for, please contact your veterinarian.