DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S.—

• Muro 128 5%

Other commonly used names are

Hypertonic sodium chloride

† Not commercially available in Canada.

Category

• Antiedemic, corneal

Description

Hypertonic sodium chloride (HY-per-TOHN-ik SOE-dee-um KLOR-ide) solution for the eye is used to draw water out of a swollen cornea. The extra water in the cornea can cause your vision to be poor. You may also see halos or rings around point light sources. The cornea is the clear cover over the colored part of your eye.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms:

• Ophthalmic
• Ophthalmic solution (eye drops) (U.S.)

Before Using This Medicine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of using hypertonic sodium chloride must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For hypertonic sodium chloride, the following should be considered:

Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to sodium chloride. Also tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy—Hypertonic sodium chloride has not been studied in pregnant women. Before using this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.

Breast-feeding—It is not known whether hypertonic sodium chloride passes into breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts, many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are taking this medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.

Children—Although there is no specific information comparing use of hypertonic sodium chloride in children with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children than it does in adults.

Older adults—Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of hypertonic sodium chloride in the elderly with use in other age groups.

Other medicines—Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are using any other ophthalmic prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Proper Use of This Medicine

To use:

• The bottle is only partially full to provide proper drop control.
• First, wash your hands. Then tilt the head back and pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Drop the medicine into the pouch and gently close the eyes. Do not blink. Keep the eyes closed for 1 or 2 minutes to allow the medicine to be absorbed.
• If you think you did not get the drop of medicine into your eye properly, use another drop.
• Immediately after using the eye drops, wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them.
• To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including the eye). Also, keep the container tightly closed. Serious damage to the eye and possible loss of vision may result from using contaminated eye drops.

Dosing—The dose of hypertonic sodium chloride will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of hypertonic sodium chloride. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The number of drops of solution that you use depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you use each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using hypertonic sodium chloride.

• For ophthalmic solution (eye drops) dosage form:
  • For swelling of the cornea:
    • Adults—Use 1 drop every three or four hours.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose—If you miss using a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage—To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Store container upright.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Ask your health care professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

Precautions While Using This Medicine

Use only under the advice and supervision of a doctor.

If you experience eye pain, changes in vision, continued redness or irritation of the eye, or if your symptoms continue for more than 3 days or become worse, check with your doctor .

Importance of not contaminating the product. Do not touch the tip of the container to the eye or any surface.

Do not use if the solution changes color or becomes cloudy.

Replace cap after each use. Store container upright.

Side Effects of This Medicine

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.

Developed: 02/16/2005

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