Acetylcysteine for dry eyes

About acetylcysteine eye drops

Acetylcysteine works by reducing the stickiness of tears. In the brand Ilube®, acetylcysteine is combined with an ingredient called hypromellose which soothes and lubricates the surface of your eye. These two ingredients together act as artificial tears. The drops ease eye dryness and soreness which is associated with some dry eye conditions, and make your eyes feel more comfortable.

Acetylcysteine eye drops are available on a prescription from a doctor.

Before using acetylcysteine eye drops

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you start using the eye drops it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you wear soft contact lenses.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a preservative in eye drops.

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How to use acetylcysteine (Ilube®) eye drops

1. Wash your hands before you use the drops.

2. Remove the yellow plastic disc, the metal ring and the black rubber bung from the top of the bottle of eye drops. Next, take the plastic dropper from the packet and gently, but firmly, push it on to the top of the opened bottle.

3. Remove the plastic cap from the dropper.

4. Tilt your head back a little and pull the lower lid of your eye downwards to form a pocket.

5. Hold the bottle upside down with the dropper near to your eye. Try not to touch your eye as you do this.

6. Gently press the middle of the dropper to release one drop. Use a second drop if the first drop missed going into your eye.

7. Close your eye for a minute or two, and press gently on the side of your nose where the corner of your eye meets your nose. This helps to stop the drop from draining away and keeps it in your eye.

8. Repeat the process in your other eye if you have been told to use the drops in both eyes.

9. Replace the plastic cap to protect the dropper.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before you start using the eye drops, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet supplied with the pack. It will give you more information about using the drops and will provide you with a full list of any side-effects which you may experience.

• Use one drop into the eye (or eyes) affected by dryness. You can do this three or four times each day unless you have been told otherwise by your doctor.

• Please take care that the dropper doesn't touch your eye, your fingers, or any other surface. This could contaminate the drops left in the bottle.

• If you forget to use the drops at your 'usual' time, do not worry, just put them in when you remember. Do not 'double up' the number of drops you use to make up for forgetting to use them.

• When first put in, eye drops can cause blurred vision. This should quickly clear. Make sure you can see clearly again before you drive, or before you use tools or machines.

• If you are using any other eye drops or ointments, leave about ten minutes between applying each one. It is usually recommended that you use the acetylcysteine drops last. This is so that the drops stay in contact with your eye and lubricate it for as long as possible.

• If you wear soft contact lenses, remove them before applying the drops and wait at least 15 minutes before putting them back in. This is because the preservative used in the eye drops can affect soft contact lenses.

• If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, make another appointment to see your doctor for advice.

Can acetylcysteine eye drops cause problems?

The eye drops can occasionally cause mild eye irritation or redness, but these usually soon pass and not everyone will experience them. The preservative benzalkonium chloride can cause eye irritation and symptoms of dry eye. If eye irritation continues, or if you experience any other eye problems, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

How to store acetylcysteine eye drops

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

• Ilube® eye drops only keep for four weeks once the bottle has been opened, so do not use these drops if the bottle has been open for longer than this. This helps to prevent the risk of eye infection.

Important information about all medicines