idoxuridine ophthalmic Health Article

Generic name(s):

idoxuridine ophthalmic

Brand name(s):

Herplex

What is the most important information I should know about idoxuridine ophthalmic?

Contact your doctor if your symptoms begin to get worse or if you do not see any improvement in your condition after a few days.

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.

Apply light pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) after each drop to prevent the fluid from draining down your tear duct.

Idoxuridine ophthalmic may increase your sensitivity to bright light. Wear sunglasses to prevent irritation.

What is idoxuridine ophthalmic?

Idoxuridine ophthalmic is an antiviral medication. It prevents the replication (reproduction) of the herpes simplex virus. Thus, it reduces the amount of active virus in your system.

Idoxuridine ophthalmic is used to treat eye infections caused by the herpes virus.

Idoxuridine ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not use idoxuridine ophthalmic?

Do not use idoxuridine ophthalmic if you have a bacterial or fungal infection in your eye. It is used to treat infections caused by viruses only. It is not known whether idoxuridine ophthalmic will harm an unborn baby. Do not use idoxuridine ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is also not known whether idoxuridine ophthalmic passes into breast milk. Do not use idoxuridine ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use idoxuridine ophthalmic?

Use idoxuridine ophthalmic eye drops exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Wash your hands before using your eyedrops.

To apply the eyedrops:

• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down on your lower eyelid. Position the dropper above your eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close your eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down your tear duct. If you are using more than one drop in the same eye or drops in both eyes, repeat the process with about 5 minutes between drops.

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye. Do not use any eyedrop that is discolored or has particles in it. Store idoxuridine ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle properly capped.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of this medication is not expected to cause harm.

If an overdose occurs in the eye, flush the eye with water for several minutes. If the drops are ingested, drink plenty of fluid to dilute the medicine. The ingestion of a whole bottle of idoxuridine ophthalmic is not expected to cause harm. Call an emergency room or poison control center for additional advice in either of these situations.