Artificial Tears eye ointment

What is this medication?

ARTIFICIAL TEARS (ahr tuh FISH uhl teerz) soothes irritation and discomfort caused by dry eyes.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Advanced Eye Relief Night Time, Altalube, Artificial Tears, Eye Lubricant, GenTeal Night-time PM, GenTeal PM, GenTeal Tears Severe Night-Time, Lubricant PM, LubriFresh P.M., Moisture Eyes PM, Puralube, Refresh Lacri-Lube, Refresh P.M., Reliable-1 P.M., Soothe Night Time, Sterilube Nighttime Relief, Stye Sterile Lubricant, Systane Nighttime, Tears Naturale PM

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• change in vision
• eye infection or trauma
• wear contact lenses
• an unusual or allergic reaction to artificial tears, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is only for use in the eye. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the label. Wash hands before and after use. Pull down the lower lid of the affected eye and apply a small amount of ointment, roughly one fourth inch, to the inside of the eyelid. Close the eye gently for a few moments to allow contact with the eye. Wipe away any residue with a clean tissue. Use your medicine at regular intervals. Do not use your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this medicine may be used in children as young as 6 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Interactions are not expected. If you are also using eye drops of any type, use the drops roughly 10 minutes before application of the eye ointment so that the eye ointment does not interfere with the action of the drops.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

If you experience eye pain, changes in vision, continued redness or irritation of the eye, or if your eye condition gets worse or lasts longer than 72 hours, discontinue use and consult your health care professional.

To avoid contamination of this product, do not touch the tip of the container to any surface. Do not share this medicine with others. If the product changes color do not use.

If you wear contact lenses, you should remove them before putting the ointment in your eyes. Wait at least 15 minutes after putting the ointment in your eyes before putting your contact lenses back in.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• change in vision
• eye irritation or redness that gets worse or lasts more than 72 hours
• eye pain

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• temporary stinging or blurred vision when applying the eye drops

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Once the product is opened, most experts recommend discarding the product after 30 days.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.