Summary of Hints On How To Use Eye Drops, page 2.
When
using more than one ointment or gel, use the gel first and wait about 10 minutes before applying the second agent.
7. Order of Eye Drops/Gels/Ointments
Some drops or ointments will delay the absorption into the eye of others.
If drops are prescribed with a gel or ointment, the drops should be used first, followed by the gel and lastly the ointment.
Suspensions
(milky drops) such as Prednefrin® Forte® or Flarex® are best used after any
clear drops.
Gels next as they are designed to stay in the eye even longer
Ointments last as they repel other drops and will stay in the eye longest
8. Storage Some medications require protection from light eg. Xalatan® and are best kept in
their cardboard boxes (also insulation from extremes in temperature).
Store
all your drops or ointments below 25 degrees so that they don't deteriorate.
If you store them in the refrigerator you will feel the cold drop when it hits and you know where the drop has gone.
Some eye medications require refrigeration at 2 to 8 degrees C.
Xalatan®
Minims® (before & after opening)
Preservative free (eg Celluvisc® after opening)
Phospholine Iodide® (before and after reconstitution by the Pharmacist)
Chlorsig® (before dispensing but stable at room temperature for 30 days)
9. 30 Day Expiry This is to limit any effect of accidental microbial contamination rather than instability of active ingredient. Should cover all patients safely, even those not so careful with handling the dropper bottles.
Generally throw away drops and ointments one month after they are opened and replace them with fresh containers. However, stretching the use a few extra days now and then (eg. when fresh stock is not obtainable) no harm will come. Check with the dispensing pharmacist.
Do not use eye drops that have changed colour or contain a precipitate.
10. Visits to the Doctor or Hospital
Check medication to be used.
Each time you come to the hospital bring all your drops, ointments and tablets.
Ask the doctor which drops and tablets to use and when to stop using them.
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