Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

IDOXURIDINE - OPHTHALMIC

(eye-dox-YOU-rid-een, off-THAL-mick)

Uses

This medication is used to treat herpes simplex keratitis, an infection that causes inflammation of the cornea of the eye.

How To Use

Use this medication as prescribed. Continue using it for the full time prescribed. Stopping therapy too soon may result in a reinfection. To apply eye medication, wash hands first. To avoid contamination, be careful not to touch the dropper or tube or let it touch the affected area. Hold the ointment tube in your hand for a few minutes to make the medication flow easier. Tilt your head back, gaze upward and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. For the drops, place dropper directly over the eye and administer the prescribed number of drops. Look downward and gently closes your eye for 1 to 2 minutes. With eye ointment, place medication inside the lower lid using a sweeping motion. Close eye and roll the eyeball. Remove excess ointment with a tissue. Try not to blink and do not rub the eye. If you are using another kind of eye medication, wait five to ten minutes before applying it.

Side Effects

This medication may temporarily burn or sting when first applied. If this persists, inform your doctor. Inform your doctor if you develop: skin rash, itching, redness, swelling in or around the eyes. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially: other eye problems, any allergies (particularly an iodine allergy). This medication may cause eyes to be sensitive to bright lights. Wear sunglasses for protection if needed. Vision may be temporarily blurred after applying this medicine. Use caution driving or performing duties requiring clear vision. Idoxuridine should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if idoxuridine is excreted into breast milk. Though, to date, there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all the prescription and nonprescription medicines you use. Do not use any other eye medications while you are using idoxuridine without consulting your doctor. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed.

Notes

Throw away any unused part of your prescription. Do not save it to treat another infection. Do not allow anyone else to use this medication. The infection can be spread to another person if you accidentally contaminate the medication.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, apply as soon as remembered; do not use if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store ointment in a cool place or refrigerate. Store solution in the refrigerator but do not freeze.