AK-NaCl

Generic name: Sodium Chloride

Usage of AK-NaCl

Hypertonic sodium chloride eye ointment and eye drops are 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.

AK-NaCl side effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Changes in vision

red eyes

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Temporary burning sensation of the eye

temporary eye irritation

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

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking AK-NaCl

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

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of sodium chloride eye ointment or eye drops in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of sodium chloride eye ointment or eye drops in geriatric patients.

Interactions with 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 healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

How to use AK-NaCl

Your eye doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. This medicine is not for long-term use.

Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

To use the eye drops:

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.

To use the eye ointment:

Hold the tip of the tube close to your eye with the other hand.

Avoid touching the tip of the tube to your eye or finger.

Squeeze a small amount (1/4 inch) of ointment into the pocket between your lower lid and eyeball. Close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes.

Wipe the tip with a clean tissue and close the tube tightly. Keep the tube tightly closed when you are not using it.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine 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 this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take 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 the medicine.

For swelling of the cornea:

For ophthalmic dosage form (eye drops):

Adults—Use 1 or 2 drops every 3 or 4 hours, or as directed by your doctor.

Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

For ophthalmic dosage form (eye ointment):

Adults—Apply small amount (1/4 inch) to the inside of the eyelids every 3 or 4 hours, or as directed by your doctor.

Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply 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.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Warnings

Your eye doctor will check your eyes at regular visits to make sure it is working properly and is not causing unwanted effects.

If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

While applying the medicine, your eyes will probably sting or burn for a short time. This is to be expected.

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.

Talk with your doctor right away if you hurt your eye, develop an eye infection, or need to have eye surgery. You may need to change your medicine or stop using it.

Disclaimer

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