Ocufen

This page contains drug information on Ocufen.
The information provided includes the following:
what is Ocufen
the possible side effects of Ocufen
what happens if you miss a dose of Ocufen
what happens if you overdose with Ocufen
the most important information about Ocufen
how to use Ocufen
other drugs that may affect Ocufen
what to avoid while using Ocufen
 
Generic Name: ocufen (FLUR bih proe fin)
Brand Names: Ocufen
 
What is the most important information I should know about ocufen?
 •  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.

What is ocufen?
 •  ocufen is in a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It reduces pain and inflammation in the eyes.
 •  ocufen is used to prevent pupil constriction (reduced pupil size) during eye surgery.
 •  ocufen may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not use ocufen?
 •  Do not use ocufen if you have a herpes infection in your eye.
 •  Before using ocufen, tell your doctor if you
      · have any type of bleeding or blood-clotting disease,
      · have recently had surgery, or
      · have stomach ulcers.
 •  You may not be able to use ocufen, or you may require special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
 •  ocufen is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether ocufen will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
 •  It is also not known whether ocufen passes into breast milk. Do not use ocufen without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use ocufen?
 •  Use ocufen eyedrops 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 the 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 ocufen 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 unlikely to occur. If you do suspect an overdose, call an emergency room or poison control left near you. If the drops have been ingested, drink plenty of fluid and call an emergency left for advice.

What should I avoid while using ocufen?
 •  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.
 •  Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. ocufen may cause blurred vision. If you experience blurred vision, avoid these activities.
 •  If you wear contact lenses, ask your doctor if you should wear them during treatment with ocufen. After applying the medication, wait at least 15 minutes before inserting contact lenses, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
 •  Do not use other eye drops or medications during treatment with ocufen unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of ocufen?
 •  Serious side effects are not expected with this medication.
 •  Some eye burning, stinging, irritation, itching, redness, or sensitivity to light may occur. Continue to use ocufen and talk to your doctor about any side effects that you experience.

What other drugs will affect ocufen?
 •  Do not use other eye drops or medications-especially acetylcholine chloride (Miochol) and carbachol (Carboptic, Isopto Carbachol), during treatment with ocufen unless otherwise directed by your doctor. These drugs may decrease the effects of ocufen.
 •  Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with ocufen. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.