What are Optrex Allergy Eye Drops?

Optrex Allergy Eye Drops are a remedy for allergy symptoms in your eyes, tackling the cause of your symptoms to soothe irritated eyes. These drops can relieve symptoms like redness, itching, and watery eyes, which can all happen when you have an allergic reaction or hay fever. The dropper bottle is easy to take with you on the go, so you can use your Optrex eye drops to treat and prevent your allergy symptoms throughout the day, perfect for those who don’t want to let their allergies stand in their way.

Why do my allergies make my eyes watery and itchy?

When you have an allergy, like hay fever or a sensitivity to pet fur or dust, your body will try to fight off the allergen whenever you come into contact with it. When this happens, your body creates a substance called histamine, which tells different parts of your body to go on the defensive and get rid of the allergen. This causes symptoms in different parts of your body, particularly your eyes, ears, nose, and throat, with some of the most common allergy symptoms including:

• Itchy eyes, ears, nose, and throat
• Red, watery eyes
• A blocked or runny nose
• Sneezing
• An itchy skin rash
• Coughing

How will Optrex Allergy Eye Drops ease my hay fever and allergy symptoms?

Optrex Allergy Eye Drops contain an active ingredient called sodium cromoglicate, with 0.7mg of this ingredient in each drop. Sodium cromoglicate is an anti-allergy medication which keeps histamine from being released into your eyes where it can cause an allergic reaction. This both treats and prevents allergy symptoms that affect your eyes, such as redness, itching, irritation, and watery eyes.

Can I use these eye drops with my contact lenses?

You may be able to use Optrex eye drops depending on what type of contact lenses you wear. You should not use these eye drops with soft contact lenses, as they contain an ingredient called benzalkonium chloride, which causes discolouration in soft lenses. If you use other types of lenses then you should be able to use these drops at the same time. Remove your lenses before applying the drops and then wait for at least 15 minutes before putting your lenses back in. If you’re unsure what type of contact lenses you use, speak to your doctor or optometrist for more information.

Can I drive after using these eye drops?

You may experience blurred vision for a little while after using Optrex Allergy Eye Drops. This will usually pass quickly, but if it happens you should not attempt to drive or use any tools or machinery until the effect has passed and you’re sure you’re safe to do so.

Can I use this treatment during my pregnancy?

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding you should speak with your doctor before using this or any other medication. Optrex Allergy Eye Drops can sometimes be recommended during pregnancy as an alternative for antihistamine tablets, but should only be taken if recommended by a doctor.

How to use Optrex eye drops

Before using this product, wash your hands and remove the cap from the bottle of drops. Tilt your head back and gently pull your eyelid down using your finger. Holding the bottle of drops in your other hand, gently squeeze the bottle to deposit 1 – 2 Optrex Allergy Eye Drops into the gap between your eye and eyelid. Close your eye to disperse the drops over the surface of your eye and wipe away any excess drops with a tissue. Repeat in your other eye if necessary. For best results, use 1 – 2 drops in each eye up to four times a day.

When should this product not be used?

Do not use Optrex Allergy Eye Drops if you are allergic to sodium cromoglicate or any of the other listed ingredients in this product. For use in the eye only, do not swallow. If you’re taking any other medications you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using this product. This especially applies if you are already using other eye drops, eye ointment, or eye medicines.

Do Optrex Allergy Eye Drops have any side effects?

Like all medications, Optrex Allergy Eye Drops can have side effects, although not everyone will experience them. These side effects include:

• Worsening of allergy symptoms, e.g. itching, redness, or swelling
• Stinging, burning, or blurring in the eyes after using the drops. This will usually pass after a short while
• Mild eye irritation

If you experience these or any other side effects while using this product, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. If your symptoms are severe, stop use and seek immediate medical assistance. For more information about reporting the side effects of medications, please see the MHRA’s Yellow Card Scheme.

How to store this product

Store in a cool, dry place which is below 25 degrees C. Do not use this product if the expiry date printed on the original packaging has passed. Once opened use within 4 weeks. Keep out of sight and reach of children.

Important information

This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy. If your symptoms get worse or continue after taking this product, contact us or your doctor. For medical services in your area, please refer to https://www.nhs.uk

If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or our pharmacist before taking this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or our pharmacist if this medicine is right for you.

Store all medicines out of sight and reach of children.

Please read the included leaflet carefully before using this product.

Please contact your GP if appropriate regarding this product.