Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Tetracycline 1% Ophthalmic Ointment
What is TETRACYCLINE 1% Ophthalmic Ointment used for?
- TETRACYCLINE 1% Ophthalmic Ointment is used to treat certain infections in your eye.
- Antibacterial drugs like TETRACYCLINE 1% Ophthalmic Ointment treat only bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections.
How does TETRACYCLINE 1% Ophthalmic Ointment work?
TETRACYCLINE 1% Ophthalmic Ointment is an antibiotic. It works by killing or stopping the growth of the bacteria that cause your infection. If symptoms of infection persist for more than 2 or 3 days, contact your healthcare professional.
What are the ingredients in TETRACYCLINE 1% Ophthalmic Ointment?
Medicinal ingredients: Tetracycline Hydrochloride
Non-medicinal ingredients: Butylated hydroxytoluene, Mineral oil, Petrolatum
TETRACYCLINE 1% Ophthalmic Ointment comes in the following dosage forms:
Ointment: 1%
Do not use TETRACYCLINE 1% Ophthalmic Ointment if you:
- Are allergic to tetracycline hydrochloride or any other ingredients of TETRACYCLINE 1% Ophthalmic Ointment.
To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you take Tetracycline 1% Ophthalmic Ointment. Talk about any health conditions or problems you may have.
Warnings that you should know about:
TETRACYCLINE 1% Ophthalmic Ointment may increase your sensitivity to sunlight and may cause exaggerated sunburns. Avoid exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet light while taking TETRACYCLINE 1% Ophthalmic Ointment.
Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines.
The following may interact with TETRACYCLINE 1% Ophthalmic Ointment:
- Make-up or Skincare products containing retinoids (such as vitamin A or retinol)
- Thimerosal
- Penicillins
How to take TETRACYCLINE 1% Ophthalmic Ointment:
- Follow your healthcare professional instructions carefully about how much TETRACYCLINE 1% Ophthalmic Ointment to apply and when to apply it.
- Although you may feel better early in the treatment, TETRACYCLINE 1% Ophthalmic Ointment should be used exactly as directed.
- Misuse or overuse of TETRACYCLINE 1% Ophthalmic Ointment could lead to the growth of bacteria that will be not be killed by TETRACYCLINE 1% Ophthalmic Ointment (resistance). This means that TETRACYCLINE 1% Ophthalmic Ointment may not work for you in the future.
- Do not share your medicine.
Usual dose:
Apply a thin layer over the cornea every two hours.
Administration:
- 1. Properly cleanse the eye, removing exudate, debris and any foreign object before treating.
- 2. Wash hands before use.
- 3. Remove tube cap.
- 4. Gently pull down the lower eyelid until there is a “pocket” (see picture below).
- 5. Apply a ribbon of ointment 0.5-1 cm along in this pocket (see picture below).
- 6. Let go of the lower eyelid and close the eye for 30 seconds.
- 7. If you use ointment in both eyes, repeat the steps for the other eye.
- 8. To avoid contamination and injury, do not let the tip of the tube touch your eye or your eyelid.
- 9. Close and tighten the cap.
Overdose:
| In case of drug overdose of Tetracycline 1% Ophthalmic Ointment, including ingestion, contact your healthcare professional, hospital emergency department or regional poison control centre, even if there are no symptoms. |
|---|
Missed Dose:
If you forget to apply the ointment, simply apply it as soon as you remember. Then go back to the original schedule as directed by your healthcare professional. Do not apply 2 doses to make up for the missed dose.
What are possible side effects from using TETRACYCLINE 1% Ophthalmic Ointment?
These are not all the possible side effects you may feel when taking TETRACYCLINE 1% Ophthalmic Ointment. If you experience any side effects not listed here, contact your healthcare professional.
Side effects may include:
- Blurred vision
- Irritation in the eyes
- Near sightedness
Serious side effects and what to do about them
| Symptom / effect | Talk to your healthcare professional | Stop taking drug and get immediate medical help |
|---|---|---|
| Only if severe | In all cases | |
| Allergic Reaction: Burning, Itching, Inflammation | ||
| ✔ | ||
If you have a troublesome symptom or side effect that is not listed here or becomes bad enough to interfere with your daily activities, talk to your healthcare professional.
Reporting Side Effects
You can report any suspected side effects associated with the use of health products to Health Canada by:
NOTE: Contact your health professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice. |
Storage:
Store at room temperature (15-30°C). Keep tightly closed.
Protect from light and freezing.
Keep out of reach and sight of children.
If you want more information about Tetracycline 1% Ophthalmic Ointment:
- Talk to your healthcare professional.
- Find the full prescribing information that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes this Patient Medication Information by visiting the Health Canada website (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/drug-products/drug-product-database.html), or by calling 1-855-543-9917.