Optrex Hayfever Relief Eye Drops (10ml)

Products Summary

Optrex Hayfever Relief Eye Drops are used for the relief of eye symptoms of hay fever only, such as itching, redness, soreness and watering.

Suitable for adults and children over 6 years.

Directions

Please read the enclosed leaflet carefully before use.

• Adults and children over 6 years: Gently squeeze 1 or 2 drops into each eye, up to 4 times daily.
• Do not exceed the stated dose.

Ingredients

• Active Ingredients: 1 ml of eye drops contains 20 mg of Sodium Cromoglicate (2.0% w/v).
• Also contains benzalkonium chloride, disodium edetate, water for injections.

Warnings and Restrictions

This is a medicine. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have an underlying medical condition, are taking any other medication or complementary therapy, or if symptoms persist.

• Do NOT use for children under the age of 6 years.
• Use this medicine only in your eyes.
• If your symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
• See your doctor or pharmacist if there is no improvement after 2 days of use, or before using continuously for more than 14 days.
• Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or if you require further information.
• Do not use if you are sensitive to any of the ingredients.
• Do not use while wearing soft contact lenses.
• This medicine contains the preservative benzalkonium chloride, which may cause irritation of the eyes and can change the colour of soft contact lenses.
• Avoid using directly with soft contact lenses. Instead, remove the contact lenses before application and wait at least 15 minutes before reinsertion.

Driving

Using the eye drops may cause temporary blurring of the eyes. Do not drive or operate machinery or use tools until you can see clearly.

Using other medicines

These eye drops are unlikely to be affected by or to affect other medicines, with the exception of the use of other eye drops.

Please speak to your pharmacist or doctor if you are taking other medicines for the eyes, or are unsure about anything.

Storage

• Do not store above 25°C.
• Discard 28 days after first opening.
• Do not use after the expiry date shown on the pack.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

Pharmacist FAQs Answered

When should I use Optrex Hayfever Relief Eye Drops for the best effect?

Take the drops from the beginning of the hayfever season for maximum benefit. Take the drops daily from the onset of spring or summer pollen levels, even if your eyes do not feel itchy yet. Think of the drops as an insurance policy: they build up defences over time. If your eyes already feel red or itchy, start right away and use them regularly. You’ll usually notice some relief after a few days, but it can take up to a week or two for the full effect.

Going back to routine (e.g. morning and evening daily) means the drops can work at their best. If you miss the early symptoms, they will likely recur or worsen. Keeping to the routine means the drops can effectively do their job.

Can I use Optrex Hayfever Relief Eye Drops with antihistamine tablets?

Yes. These drops act directly within your eyes, while antihistamine tablets or sprays act all over your body. Both in conjunction can offer extra relief. You might, for example, take a hayfever tablet in the morning to deal with your general symptoms, and still apply drops in your eyes during the day. They will not cancel each other out. Simply do what each product advises. You can usually do one, then wait a few minutes, and do the other. If you wear contact lenses, remove them first before you put in the drops.

If you're unsure, consult a pharmacist. It is completely normal to take both drugs together for hay fever. Waiting between the treatments, each treats a different part of your allergy (eyes vs. nose or body).

What are some tips for using Optrex Hayfever on high pollen days?

High pollen days can make eyes very itchy. Here are some tips to help the drops work better:

• Keep pollen away: If you’ve been outside, wash your hands and face (or even shower) to clear pollen. Wear sunglasses outside to block pollen from your eyes.
• Use as directed: Wash your hands first. Tilt your head back, pull your lower lid down, and place one drop in the eye. Close your eyes for a second so the drop spreads, then blink three or four times.
• Use on schedule: Stick to the designated schedule (e.g., every 6 hours) even if you are in a rush. Take reminders if you can.
• Further relief: Following the application of the drop, a wet, cold cloth over shut eyes for one minute can ease irritation.

May I use Optrex Hayfever Relief Eye Drops in conjunction with other medication?

Yes. These eye drops can be used in conjunction with other hay fever treatments. For example, a nasal spray might ease a runny nose, while Optrex drops treat your eyes. They are used in different ways, so employing both usually provides better relief. Simply follow the instructions for each product regarding timing. You could use the nasal spray first and then a few minutes later the eye drops (or vice versa). If you use more than one eye treatment, leave a few minutes between each. If you are unsure about using more than one medicine together, consult a pharmacist or doctor. They can help you make a schedule so that every treatment can work effectively.

What if my eye symptoms continue to bother me even after using the drops?

If your eyes are still itchy, red, or irritated after one week of using the drops as directed, ensure that you are doing them correctly (wash your hands, remove contact lenses, etc.). If things do not improve, talk to a doctor or pharmacist. You might need more intense treatment.

In the meantime, soothe your eyes with a wet, cold cloth or clean eye wash and put some lubricating drops (artificial tears) in for extra comfort. Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can irritate them further. Repeatedly occurring hay fever symptoms are normal, and you will be able to get extra help to manage them when necessary.